Update: Avoid The Hudson River From Peekskill To Yonkers: Officials

SEE UPDATE: UPDATE: Sewer Repairs Complete, Avoid River Orders Remain In Effect

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — In a Friday afternoon update, The Westchester County Department of Health said it has been also notified by the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities that partially treated sewage is being released into the Hudson River at 100 Croton River Road in Ossining due to the break in a force main at the Crotonville sewer pump station.

Due to the break, there is a probable environmental impact to the surrounding waters, officials said. Contact with the sewage is a potential public health threat, so through the weekend and until further notice, residents are advised to avoid recreational activities in the Hudson River, from Peekskill to Yonkers. Croton Point Park Beach and Philipse Manor Beach are closed until further notice. Contact with the Croton River should be avoided from 100 Croton River Road to the Hudson River.

The Department of Environmental Facilities is working to repair the section of 24-inch cast iron pipe. The segment will be cut out, replaced and encased in concrete, according to the department. Until the repair is completed, up to one million gallons of partially treated sewage are expected to be released into the Hudson River daily.

On Thursday, Westchester County alerted the Village of Croton-on-Hudson that a force main break took place at the Crotonville Pump Station. Residents of the village were asked to reduce water usage over a five-hour period while repairs were made. Due to the possibility of partially treated sewage entering the Croton River, kayakers, boaters and fishermen were warned to avoid the Croton River during that time.

In a Friday morning update, Westchester County said that the repairs were taking longer than originally anticipated. The station is currently being bypassed and partially treated sewage is entering the Croton River. Kayakers, boaters and fishermen were therefore told to continue to avoid the Croton River.

Croton-on-Hudson residents who are connected to the village sanitary sewer system should continue to voluntarily reduce water usage in order to limit the amount of partially treated sewage entering the river.

Officials say that there is no concern with the village's drinking water supply and that all tap water is safe for consumption.