The overall impact of wastewater discharges to surfaces waters is fortunately temporary. Our bays, rivers and gulf are constantly moving, which results in dissipation and dilution of wastewater contaminants within a few days. Persistence of increased levels of bacteria depends on many factors such as rain intensity, volume of any wastewater released and the receiving water body flow rate.  For small water bodies receiving wastewater spills, the utility company may be able to remove the contaminated water and route it for proper treatment if feasible, but this is usually challenging in storm or hurricane conditions when the sewer systems are already overloaded. However, bacteria levels do subside over time through natural attenuation. As a general guideline, bacteria levels can remain elevated for at least three days after a significant rainstorm.   

Is it safe to swim?  

Public bathing places such as coastal beaches are routinely monitored (currently weekly) by the Department of Health under their Healthy Beaches Program to ensure public safety but may pose an increased risk after heavy rainfall. When the Department of Health confirms that bacteria concentrations exceed levels safe for swimming, they issue health advisories or warnings and post signage.  When the water samples meet the standards for public beaches the advisories or warnings are removed. The public beaches in Hillsborough County monitored by the Department of Health are: Bahia, Ben T. Davis North & South, Cypress Point, Davis Island, Picnic Island and E.G. Simmons. 

The public may contact the Health Department regarding any Hillsborough advisories in effect by calling (813) 307-8044 or using the online system which includes data across Florida, at https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/beach-water-quality/index.html

Swimming in areas that are not covered by the Healthy Beaches program may pose additional risk, particularly after heavy rainfall. Many of these waterways are part of EPC’s extensive water monitoring program, however, with 125 miles of major tributaries and the 400 square miles that comprises Tampa Bay, our monitoring is only representative of the conditions at a particular sample site and time.  To be on the safe side, one should assume that waterways and beaches may be impacted after heavy rainfall and take precautions to limit direct contact with standing water or any water body after heavy rains.  

What you can do:  

• Limit direct contact with standing water or any water body after heavy rains due to the potential for polluted runoff, sewage overflows and other safety issues due to the possibility of the presence of debris, wildlife such as snakes and downed powerlines. 

• Heed any Department of Health advisories at public bathing places. 

• Limit water usage (laundry, washing dishes, etc.…) during heavy rainfall to reduce wastewater flow.     

• Make sure your rain gutter downspouts are routed onto your lawn or into the stormwater system. 

• Make sure your home’s sewer cleanout cap is intact.  

• Avoid planting trees and shrubs close to sewer lines.  

• Never remove sewer manhole covers or your home’s sewer cleanout cap to drain the flood water. 

• Subscribe to the FDEP Public Notices of Pollution system at the following link to receive or view submitted notice: Public Notice of Pollution | Florida Department of Environmental Protection

• Report sewage overflows to the State Watch Office, at 1-800-320-0519 which will notify appropriate responding public agencies.  

• Report sewage overflowing from manholes or pump stations to the appropriate utility department (based on location of the overflow) to help them identify problems to make timely repairs:

  • Hillsborough County Public Utility Department - Report Flooding | Hillsborough County, FL or (813) 744-5600

  • Plant City Utilities - (813) 727-9191 

  • City of Tampa Wastewater Department - (813) 259-1693

  • City of Temple Terrace – (813) 506-6570

  • Private Utility - For areas not serviced by a municipality, overflowing manholes or pump stations should be reported to the emergency phone number provided by the citizen’s private utility company which may be posted on the pump station, treatment plant fencing or provided on the customer bill.