Overview
- A pressurized 42-inch force main broke during heavy rain on Friday night, sending most wastewater from Haverhill’s South Mill Street pump station into the Merrimack River.
- City crews and contractors installed a temporary bypass that officials say has halted the uncontrolled discharge after days of around 8 million gallons per day entering the river.
- State agencies continue intensive water-quality testing and have closed multiple North Shore beaches to swimming while the Division of Marine Fisheries has ordered emergency shellfish closures.
- Officials say drinking water is unaffected but warn that fully inspecting and repairing the 1970s-era 42-inch pipe could take several months once the bypass and a camera inspection are complete.
- The stoppage reduces immediate public-health risk and lets testing determine reopenings, but local businesses and summer plans face disruption while long-term repairs and ecological assessments proceed.