Roughly 60,000 gallons of wastewater accidentally flushed into Haverhill’s storm drains are now headed for the Merrimack River, and health officials are telling the public to stay out of the water. The local health department has shut down Plum Island Beach through at least Monday while samples are collected and tested, and boaters, anglers and dog owners are being told to avoid the lower Merrimack until the advisory is lifted.
Haverhill officials told WHDH that the discharge happened during sewer work on Thursday, when about 60,000 gallons of wastewater were mistakenly routed into the storm drainage system. That flow then entered local waterways that feed the Merrimack River. City crews described the release as accidental and said response teams were deployed to contain and monitor the affected streams, according to the report. Officials have not given a firm timetable for reopening the beach or announced any enforcement actions.
Why officials want you out of the river
State and local public health guidance generally tells people to avoid contact with rivers, beaches and other waterways for at least 48 hours after sewage gets in, since untreated or partially treated wastewater can carry bacteria, viruses and other contaminants. That 48-hour window shows up in municipal alerts such as the City of Boston’s combined sewer overflow notices, which urge residents to stay cautious after overflows to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and skin illnesses, as explained on Boston.gov.
The Merrimack River already has several combined sewer overflow outfalls and a track record of up-and-down water quality after storms, the Merrimack River Watershed Council notes, which makes downstream beaches and boaters especially vulnerable to short-lived but significant spikes in contamination.
Local fallout and what happens next
The local health department has closed Plum Island Beach through at least Monday “until water quality improves,” the television report said, and officials plan to keep collecting and resampling water until bacteria levels fall below state action thresholds. Federal guidance calls for repeated testing and for advisories to stay in place until results meet health standards, a process outlined by the EPA. Haverhill crews are continuing containment and monitoring work, and the city says it will post updates on its website and alert systems as new test results come in.
Haverhill has been spending on combined sewer separation and related upgrades in parts of the city to cut down on future overflows, according to the City of Haverhill. Watershed advocates, however, say that getting rid of routine discharges altogether will take sustained investment from both the state and the federal government. Residents with health concerns or questions are being urged to contact the Haverhill Water Division or their local health department for the latest advisories.
