Public Advised To Avoid Merrimack River Thursday Due To Sewage

NEWBURYPORT, MA —The City of Newburyport Health Department on Tuesday morning advised 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 sewage discharge or overflow carries with it "increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants associated with urban stormwater runoff and discharges of untreated and partially treated wastewater."

The 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.

The Newburyport Health Department said it will be conducting water testing to ensure the public's safety. Updates will be posted on the city's website. The website also includes information about shellfish closures.

Anyone with additional questions can contact the Newburyport Health Department at 978-465-4410.