HAVERHILL, Mass. — Local residents and their pets are being urged to avoid any contact with water from the Merrimack River as a “massive” rainstorm moved throughout the region on Wednesday, causing untreated sewage discharge into the river.
The Merrimack River Watershed Council issued a public health alert on the discharge on Wednesday.
“A massive rainstorm that is passing through the Merrimack Valley has triggered the discharge of untreated sewage into the Merrimack River in Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, and Manchester,” the council said in a post on Facebook.
“Weather forecasters are predicting at least 3 inches of rain today - with the heaviest band striking in the early evening - which will likely result in the largest CSO discharges of 2024,” the council said.
The discharge “may contain harmful bacteria and pollution,” officials said.
Health officials recommend that people and pets including dogs “avoid primary contact with river water, i.e. swimming, wading, boating or fishing for 48 hours after a sewage discharge.”
The council said it will update the public as data becomes available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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