Locals concerned as 1.7 million gallons of wastewater bypassed into Manatee River

SARASOTA, Fla. ( WWSB ) - In the biggest bypass of 2025, 1.7 million gallons of wastewater ended up in the Manatee River.

The bypass happened on Sept. 8 and has been causing concern within the community.

According to a report by the city of Bradenton, the water was partially treated. The report says an operator was performing a routine plant check and noticed overflowing solids from one of their clarifiers and filters.

The chief operator then instructed for the clarifier to be shut off and the bypass valve to be opened.

Of the multiple indicators of water quality, Abbey Tyrna, the executive director for the Suncoast Waterkeepers, says a wastewater discharge can have a detrimental effect on water quality.

“Oh, of course yes its definitely going to impact our bacteria levels,” she sai