Fort Lauderdale issues precautionary waterway advisory for a section of the South Fork of the Middle River following sewer overflow

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – The City of Fort Lauderdale has issued a precautionary waterway advisory affecting a section of the South Fork of the Middle River following a nearby sewer overflow. Residents and visitors are being urged to avoid all water-related activities in the area until further notice.

The affected area is bounded by NE 24th Street to the north, NE 21st Court to the south, N Federal Highway to the east, and NE 22nd Street to the west. The advisory specifically recommends avoiding swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, jet-skiing, or engaging in any other recreational water activity within these boundaries.

City officials emphasized that the advisory is precautionary, and water sampling will be conducted daily to monitor conditions. “The precautionary advisory will be lifted once satisfactory test results are obtained,” the City stated. Officials said this approach is intended to protect the health of residents and recreational water users while the affected waterway is monitored and evaluated.

Residents who have questions or require additional information can contact the City of Fort Lauderdale Customer Service Center by calling 954-828-8000 or emailing [email protected]. Concerns and reports related to the situation can also be submitted through the City’s FixIt FTL app or online at fortlauderdale.gov/fixitftl.

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The City also encourages the public to stay informed during emergencies by signing up for Alert FTL, a free emergency notification system that delivers critical updates via phone, text, or email. To enroll, residents can visit fortlauderdale.gov/alertftl.

Officials stressed that the advisory is temporary and is designed to minimize potential health risks associated with exposure to water following a sewer overflow. While recreational activities in the advisory area are restricted, boating or water-related work outside the specified boundaries is not affected.

The City of Fort Lauderdale has noted that similar precautionary advisories have been issued in the past whenever water contamination or sewer overflows occur. These advisories are part of an ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors who use the city’s waterways for recreation.

Daily water quality testing will guide city officials in determining when the advisory can be safely lifted. Once test results confirm that water conditions meet health and safety standards, residents will be notified immediately through city channels, including Alert FTL, the FixIt FTL app, and the City’s official website.

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Residents and visitors are asked to heed the advisory and avoid entering the water until officials confirm it is safe. Following these precautions ensures the safety of all individuals who rely on the South Fork of the Middle River for recreation, fishing, and other water-based activities.

By taking these proactive steps, the City aims to prevent potential health risks and maintain public trust while responding to the sewer overflow in a timely and responsible manner.

The advisory serves as a reminder of the importance of monitoring water quality and staying informed about environmental conditions in local waterways. Fort Lauderdale officials continue to work diligently to restore safe conditions for all users of the South Fork of the Middle River.