Cambridge Officials Warn Of Sewage Overflow In Water

CAMBRIDGE, MA — Cambridge public health officials are warning people and pets to avoid contact with Alewife Brook and parts of the Mystic River through Tuesday due to the release of stormwater mixed with sewage into the river.

The release of such water is necessary to prevent contaminated water from backing up into homes, businesses, and city streets, officials said. But these discharges may create a risk to public health, including when a discharge lasts for more than 2 hours, as was the case Sunday.

Two releases occurred in Alewife Brook Reservation in North Cambridge and may have impacted Alewife Brook and Little River in Cambridge, Somerville, and Arlington, as well as the Mystic River from the intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway and Mystic Valley Parkway in Somerville to the Fellsway bridge in Medford—near the Mystic River State Reservation— officials said.

During a period of about 48 hours after the overflow ends, there is an increased risk of adverse health effects due to bacteria or other pollutants carried by the stormwater, such as fertilizers or pesticides, officials said, adding that contact with this water can make you and your pets sick.

Officials are warning locals to avoid paddle boarding, boating, fishing, or other activities that can bring you in close contact with this water.