Bal Harbour Village maintains its sewer and stormwater systems to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operations. The Village’s Public Works Utilities team and Compliance Officer oversee these systems, working closely with state and county agencies to protect public health and the environment.
Sewer
The Village sewer collection system consists of sewer laterals, manholes, gravity mains, force mains, and pump stations, that ensures:
- Proper gravity flow through the sewer system
- Efficient operation of pump stations
- Prevention of stormwater inflow and groundwater infiltration, which reduce system capacity
Sewer Cleanouts – Roles and Responsibilities
Most homes have two sewer cleanouts, Home-side and Street-side:
| Cleanout | Responsibility | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home-side | Homeowner | Closest to building | Access for plumbers to clear blockages within the private lateral |
| Street-side | Village | ~3 feet behind curb | Maintained by Village; aligns with lateral from building to gravity main |
Reporting Sewer Backups
Sewage discharging from the street-side cleanout indicates a potential issue with Village maintained portion:
Business Hours:
After Hours:
Preventing Sewer Blockages
Residents are asked to avoid:
- “Flushable” Wipes – Do not break down in the sewer system
- Oils and Grease – Solidify over time and restrict flow
Flushable wipes and grease buildup are the most common causes of blockages within sewer laterals.
Homeowner Responsibilities
- Blockages between the home and street-side cleanout are the homeowner’s responsibility
- Residents should hire a licensed plumber to clear blockages or use high-velocity water jetting
- If the blockage location is unknown, contact the Public Works using the numbers above
Stormwater
The Public Works team manages the Village’s stormwater system under the guidance of:
- Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM)
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
System Overview
- Two Village-operated pump stations manage roughly 50% of the Village’s stormwater
- The other 50% discharges through outfalls and French drainage systems
- Stormwater systems along Collins Avenue, Harding Avenue, and 96th Street is owned by Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
Stormwater Management Goals
The Village, DERM, and FDEP work together to:
- Prevent stormwater from creating a pollution load in local waterways
- Maintain clean streets and drains prior to rain events to reduce runoff contamination Residents can assist by keeping streets, gutters, and drains free of debris.
Reporting Stormwater Issues
If a storm drain is blocked or not functioning properly, call Public Works at:
Business Hours:
After Hours: