Overview
- A 42-inch force main that failed during heavy downpours on June 27 broke in two places and sent an estimated 8 million to 10 million gallons of untreated wastewater per day into the Merrimack River before crews halted the discharge.
- City crews and contractors installed a first temporary 24-inch bypass and pumps that redirected wastewater to Haverhill’s treatment plant and stopped the ongoing release into the river.
- State and local agencies closed multiple North Shore beaches and shellfish growing areas as a precaution, and sequential water tests showing bacteria below state thresholds have allowed several beaches to reopen for swimming.
- Officials say shellfishing remains paused because shellfish can concentrate contaminants, New Hampshire and Massachusetts will continue daily testing through the holiday weekend, and the public is advised to avoid river contact for 48 hours.
- Crews plan a second bypass, camera inspections of the 1970s-era pipe and permanent repairs that officials warn could take months and raise questions about long-term infrastructure funding and resilience.