Sewerage Overflow Warning In Westborough After Brook Discharge

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Local health officials are warning residents to avoid contact with a local brook after a recent sewerage overflow.

According to the Westborough Health Department, a blockage inside a sewer line near Garfield Drive caused the overflow into Jackstraw Brook. The blockage went unnoticed over the past two weeks until Wednesday afternoon.

An estimated 95,000 gallons spilled into Jackstraw Brook. The brook is considered a fishery, so residents should avoid eating fish caught in the waterway until further notice. Residents should avoid contact with the waterway for at least two days due to health risks from bacteria and pollutants, the health department said in an overflow notice.

Jackstraw Brook flows from Cedar Swamp at the end of Brigham Drive southwest until it peters out near the intersection of Ruggles Street and Cook Street, which is close to Garfield Drive. The brook passes underneath both Route 135 and Upton Road along its course.