Third raw sewage leak springs in Fort Lauderdale

Sewage main problems plaguing city ahead of Christmas holiday

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A third sewage pipe has broken in Fort Lauderdale.

Crews responded Saturday morning to a leak on a 48-inch sewer main in the Himmarshee Canal.

The leak is in the area of Southeast 2nd Street and 9th Avenue.

A third raw sewage leak in the City of Fort Lauderdale in less than two weeks. (WPLG)

According to the City of Fort Lauderdale, divers investigated the extent of the damage before beginning the repair process.

The leak is not impacting properties on land, according to the city.

Sunday morning, workers unloaded a clamp they’ll use to patch up the break in the sewer main. A supervisor told Local 10 News’ Madeleine Wright the repairs on the latest break should complete early Sunday afternoon.

Neighbors are advised that the Himmarshee Canal from South Federal Highway to the New River remains under a precautionary advisory for recreational water-related activities. City officials said swimming, fishing, jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing or engaging in any water-related activities within the precautionary advisory area should be avoided.

Click here to view a map of the precautionary advisory area.

This comes after a second raw sewage leak inside Fort Lauderdale sprung on Friday, near Virginia Young Park.

The second leak saw sewage spill into the streets of the Rio Vista neighborhood, as well as in the Tarpon River.

City officials said the area around the pipe break remains stable with no spillage entering the streets. As many as 18 tanker and vacuum trucks provided service Saturday as part of pumping operations at locations in the vicinity of the site.

Virginia Young Park remains closed while repair activities are taking place, city officials said.

Activities to clear and secure Hector Park continued throughout the day. City officials said Hector Park remains closed to the public.

The original break was in the same neighborhood, 10 days prior, just blocks away.

Click here for more information from the city of Fort Lauderdale.


About the Author:

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.