Avoid Merrimack River Thursday Due To Sewage: Andover Health Dept.

ANDOVER, MA —The Andover Health Department on Tuesday was one of several local agencies to advise the public to avoid contact with the Merrimack River for 48 hours due to multiple combined sewer overflows (CSOs) into the river earlier in the morning.

In a public health warning, the health department said the cities of Lawrence, Lowell and Haverhill all reported overflows in the early morning hours of Tuesday.

"These overflows contain stormwater, untreated or partially treated human and industrial waste, toxic materials and debris, rendering the Merrimack River unsafe," the Andover Health Department said in a statement.

The statement continued: "The health department recommends that the public avoid contact with the Merrimack River for at least 48 hours due to increased risk from bacteria and other pollutants."

The health department reminded the public that Andover's water supply is treated prior to distribution to the public, and it remains safe.

The public is asked to check the Town of Andover website for updates about water conditions. Anyone with specific questions can contact the health department at 978-623-8640.

In its own public health warning, the City of Newburyport Health Department reported that the sewer overflows occurred at 12:30 a.m. in Haverhill, 1:50 a.m. in Lawrence and 1:10 a.m. in Lowell.

According to NBC 10 in Boston, temporary warning signs are being posted along the Merrimack River at public access points, including: Moseley Woods, Cashman Park, Joppa Flats and Plum Island.