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The City of Miami Beach has launched Operation Clean Water, a 6-month urgent effort that aims to improve the water quality in the Park View Canal and Biscayne Bay. The city commissioned the University of Miami to conduct extensive studies to help identify sources of pollution from the 81 acres of the North Beach watershed. The studies highlight stormwater runoff from streets as the biggest contributor to pollution. Based on the recommendation contained in the studies, the city has conducted many infrastructure tests, lined sanitary sewer pipes and updated components of the system. These initial actions have resulted in considerable improvements however additional actions are needed to meet the water quality standards for ocean beach bathing set by the Florida Department of Health. Below is a summary of Operation Clean Water:

Kick Off Event

On May 19, 2025, the city hosted a kickoff event in collaboration with the Park View Island Sustainable Association with a great turnout by the community. The focus of the event was an update on city efforts, a shoreline clean up, and community garden tour led by the Association. The city has committed over $8 million for water quality improvement infrastructure and efforts. 

Sanitation Efforts

Part of the city’s efforts include more frequent street sweeping, storm drain cleaning and trash collection. Additional innovative measures such as UV light disinfection to reduce bacteria in stormwater runoff are being evaluated. A summary of these efforts include:

Proper Disposal Information

Another source of pollution comes from improper waste disposal such as rinsing off of kitchen mats, and pouring fats, oils and grease down drains. The city has created flyers that have been distributed locally to promote proper disposal, in addition to increased monitoring of the alleyways. These campaigns aim to inform local residents and business owners about the proper way of disposing of the waste. These include the 'Don't Grease the Street; and 'F.R.O.G. Can Clog' flyers.

Street Monitoring and Stormwater Influence Index

The city is monitoring the streets and alleyways for sources of pollution and code compliance. Crews increased compliance sweeps in the alleyways to assess commercial waste bins and to quickly address improper dumping in the alleyways. Staff also directed commercial waste haulers to improve coverings and prevent leaking bins that lead to storm drains.

On June 1 the city launched a Stormwater Influence Index with cleanliness assessors to conduct 90 assessments over 90 days directly alerting Code Compliance to address leaky dumpsters, litter, and pet waste.

Storm Drain Stenciling

To help reinforce the understanding that all storm drains lead to the canal within Biscayne Bay, the city is designing creative stencils to be placed throughout the North Beach watershed.  

Street Sweeping and Alternate Side Parking

The city has also increased street sweeping services throughout the area and will begin implementing Alternate Side Parking in the neighborhood in the next few weeks. The latter is intended to prevent parked vehicles from interfering with street cleaning operations. More information on that will be coming soon.

Don’t be Ruff on the Bay

Animal waste continues to be a source of pollution. To make it as easy as possible for pet owners to pick up after their dogs, there are now over 40 pet waste stations with new signage to promote proper disposal, as well as additional trash bins in the area.



Private Outfalls

The city has limited regulatory abilities to address private stormwater outfalls and private sanitary sewer laterals. Through routine meetings and reviewing our water quality study results, Miami-Dade County is increasing outreach and efforts to address these private systems impacting the canal and bay.  

Homeless Outreach Efforts

The Homeless Outreach Services Division regularly conducts street outreach to connect individuals experiencing homelessness in the City of Miami Beach with available services and support. In response to Operation Clean Water, the Division has increased outreach efforts in North Beach to ensure that anyone in need is informed about the resources provided by the city and to encourage them to use public sanitation facilities. If you encounter someone in need of homeless services or wish to report a related concern, please contact the City’s Homeless Outreach Services Division at 305.604.4663 or email homeless@miamibeachfl.gov.

Funding Appropriations

• $70,000 – Prior funding for smoke testing, sampling, third party analysis.
• $122,000 – Prior appropriations to identify potential sources of indicator bacteria and recommendations (Phase I Study).
• $75,000 – Prior appropriations to understand progress and further analysis of potential sources of indicator bacteria and study non-point sources (Phase II Study).
• $640,000 – Prior funding Phase 1 Park View Sewer Trenchless Rehabilitation upgrades and sewer force main air release valve replacements.
• $2.5 million – Prior funding Phase II North Beach and Park View Extended Area project. Included closed-circuit television studies, lining of sewer pipes from 73rd to 76th Streets, as well as the rehabilitation of manholes wherever needed, all five (5) North Beach pump station wet well rehabilitations.
• $2.5 million – Prior appropriations for dredging planning, design, and construction.
• $2.2 million – Prior appropriations to retrofit existing gravity stormwater treatment.
• $10 million – North Beach Town Center/ North Shore D Grant funding for design and permitting that will include long-term water quality improvements as part of a large neighborhood improvement project.

Contact

For more information, please contact the North Beach Neighborhood Affairs Coordinator, Nicholas Levy at, nicholaslevy@Miamibeachfl.gov.

To learn more about the city’s projects and innovative initiatives, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/NAD.

To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (5-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) (voice), select 1 (English) or 2 (Spanish) and leave a message with your request. TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service). You can also make requests online at www.miamibeachfl.gov/ada by selecting ADA request.