PALM BAY, Fla. – Approximately 3.19 million gallons of wastewater were released due to a sewer main break this week in Palm Bay, according to the city.
The main break happened Monday near 1050 Clearmont Street NE and involved a 20-inch sewer main that the city said is a primary feed to its wastewater treatment plant.
The flow couldn’t immediately be halted due to the line’s “critical nature,” the city said, resulting in “an active discharge of wastewater onto the ground.”
[WATCH: ‘Significant’ sewer main break in Palm Bay causes wastewater spill]
Though the leak was eventually contained, residents were urged to avoid contact with nearby Turkey Creek or any surrounding waterways until further notice.
“This includes no fishing, boating, or swimming. However, there is no impact to the City’s drinking water supply, which remains safe and unaffected,” the city said.
[VIDEO: Residents asked to avoid Turkey Creek, nearby waterways after Palm Bay sewer main break]
On Wednesday, the city said that the cause of the failure had been revealed, stating the damaged section was found to have a 2- to 3-inch crack running the full length of a 20-foot-long pipe.
Although the pipe was originally expected to have a lifespan of 80-100 years, it failed after just 37 years, or half its lifespan. This break could not have been reasonably anticipated.
Routine inspections on our collection system occur monthly. The last inspection of the air release valve was completed two weeks prior.
In addition, pressure data loggers are being monitored routinely for increased demand, which shows stress on the system.
June 11, 2025 | 9 AM UPDATE: City of Palm Bay Responds to Sewer Force Main Break (excerpt)
It was found that the pipe had been installed at an unusual angle, which could have added to long-term strain and helped cause the failure, the city said.
“(Approximately) 2 million gallons have been recovered through ongoing remediation efforts, with an estimated 1.19 million gallons released into the environment.”
June 11, 2025 | 9 AM UPDATE: City of Palm Bay Responds to Sewer Force Main Break (excerpt)
On Thursday, the city shared the following update:
As of this morning, crews have completed soil removal to a depth of 12 inches in the affected area. Clean fill material is scheduled to be brought in today; however, it will not be applied until soil test results are received and verified to ensure conditions are safe for restoration.
In consultation with the environmental team working alongside Cathcart Construction, crews will also be installing an aerator in the affected area. This additional step is intended to help mitigate any potential downstream environmental impacts and support recovery of the water body.
The City continues to work closely with its Environmental Team to evaluate any further actions needed to ensure full remediation and protect the Indian River Lagoon. Coordination with local regulatory authorities is ongoing to ensure all activities remain in compliance with environmental and safety standards.
Water samples were collected Tuesday afternoon with five locations to be tested on a 24-hour cycle, then monitored over the next three weeks, according to the city. As of Thursday, the city is awaiting test results.
“The Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a gem in the city of Palm Bay,” Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina said. “They were all hands on deck. Why? Because the Turkey Creek Sanctuary is critically important not only to those residents, but the entire city and Brevard County.”
According to city officials, the pipeline was about 37 years old and originally expected to last up to 100 years.
“Due to the nature of that line, the flow could not be immediately stopped, resulting in a significant wastewater discharge,” Medina explained.
As of Thursday, crews had recovered roughly 2 million of the more than 3 million gallons spilled. Efforts to clean the remaining discharge include manual skimming and net dragging in Turkey Creek, followed by vacuum truck collection for proper disposal.
Residents living near the creek reported noticeable odors in the air earlier this week. Officials assured the public that drinking water remains safe and unaffected.
The mayor commended city workers for their tireless response to the crisis.
“Countless hours. Many didn’t sleep, because this was critically important,” he said. “That is what rallying around a catastrophe like this is all about.”
No specific timeline has been provided for when the full cleanup will be completed.
Residents can contact a citizen hotline to receive the latest information at 321-726-5683.