Water Leaks, Breaks and Emergencies

Published on October 08, 2026

Sanitary Sewer Overflow

A sanitary sewer overflow occurred at approximately 6:30 a.m. Sept. 19 at the intersection of Holt Avenue and Russell Street. A power outage disrupted automatic operations at the Marshall Street Water Reclamation Facility. When the system was switched to manual operation, it did not function as intended, causing a backup in the wastewater collection system and an overflow from a nearby manhole. Based on updated calculations, the final estimated spill volume is 44,881 gallons. (Earlier estimates were about 35,680 gallons.) Approximately 500 gallons were recovered.  

The overflow was stopped at approximately 8 a.m. Sept. 19. Crews vacuumed, raked, and washed down the affected area and applied lime as part of the cleanup. The overflow reached a stormwater outfall and entered Stevenson Creek.

Water-quality sampling began Sept. 20 and ceased Sept. 29. Public awareness signs have been removed at all sampling locations.

The spill was reported to the State Watch Office (#2026-9293) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (#34286).

East Water Reclamation Facility Sanitary Sewer Overflow

A sanitary sewer overflow occurred at approximately 7:35 p.m. Sept. 23 at the East Water Reclamation Facility, located at 3141 Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.

Water entered an electrical control panel, causing a short circuit that disabled the influent bar screens. Debris accumulated on the screens and caused an estimated 18,309-gallon overflow. Operations staff bypassed the affected system after attempts to reset the equipment were unsuccessful. Nearby floor drains captured most of the overflow. Approximately 300 gallons were recovered.

The overflow was stopped at approximately 8:04 p.m. Sept. 23, totaling 29 minutes. Crews vacuumed, raked and washed down the affected area and applied disinfectant as part of the cleanup.

A portion of the overflow reached a stormwater outfall and entered Old Tampa Bay. Water-quality sampling began Sept. 24. Results at the source met the applicable surface water quality criteria; therefore, sampling ceased Sept. 30.

Public awareness signs were been posted at all sampling locations, with additional signs placed at the locations shown on the map. The spill was reported to the State Watch Office (#2026-9436) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (#34349).

Boil-Water Orders in Clearwater 

Update - Oct. 8, the boil water notice has been removed and repairs are complete.

A contractor struck a 6-inch water main on Iris Street Oct. 5., Clearwater Public Utilities crews shut off water service to make repairs. A boil water notice applies to 53, 55, 57, 64 and 65 Iris St. No other residents or commercial properties were affected by the water shutoff.

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