An emergency meeting is on the calendar for Riviera Beach residents to address ongoing water contamination issues. Confirmed by WPTV, the session is set for today at the Riviera Beach Marina Event Center, located at 190 East 13th Street, starting at 5 p.m.
Concerns have escalated following a series of reports revealing fecal contamination in the local drinking water supply, with residents demanding answers and aid. After reporting on the water crisis for months, being held the local utility accountable by WPTV has resulted in an $80,000 fine levied against the city for its slow response after discovering fecal bacteria in June.
According to a recent story by WFLX, Utility Director Michael Low was fired today, a consequence of the seven-month delay in addressing the water quality issues which were first reported in January. In the light of these developments, the council struggles with appointing a fresh executive director and deliberating the steps forward for the water safety plan.
Council member Doug Lawson, during an interview with WPTV's chief investigative reporter Jamie Ostroff, explained, "We're going to have an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss some of the wells in our community, next steps with the water plan, and then also the executive director who will be put in place." Notably shaken by months of community distress, the urgency of establishing a clean and safe water supply could not be clearer to those affected when speaking to the council members.
