Mayor Sean Reardon Provides Update on Haverhill Sewer Force Main Failure and Impacts to Newburyport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2026

Mayor Sean Reardon Provides Update on Haverhill Sewer Force Main Failure and Impacts to Newburyport

NEWBURYPORT, MA – Mayor Sean Reardon is providing residents with an update regarding the ongoing discharge of untreated wastewater into the Merrimack River resulting from a major sewer force main failure in the City of Haverhill.

According to information released by Haverhill, approximately 8 million gallons of untreated wastewater per day have been entering the Merrimack River since the force main failed last week. Haverhill has indicated that emergency contractors are working around the clock to install a temporary bypass system, with construction crews operating 24 hours a day until wastewater can once again be conveyed to the treatment plant.

"This situation is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable," said Mayor Reardon. "Our first priority is protecting the health and safety of Newburyport residents while working with our state and regional partners to bring this environmental emergency to an end as quickly as possible."

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Newburyport has closed Plum Island Beach to swimming until further notice. The closure will remain in effect until the discharge has stopped, repairs have been completed, and water quality testing confirms that conditions are safe for the public.

The Newburyport Health Department continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, regional municipalities, and other partner agencies to monitor conditions and determine when it is safe to reopen the beach.

Mayor Reardon has also been in direct contact with Governor Maura Healey, who is assisting in coordinating state resources through MassDEP. Newburyport is working alongside neighboring downstream communities to advocate for a swift resolution and greater regional coordination.

"While we appreciate the work being done by the emergency crews on the ground, I am extremely disappointed by the lack of direct communication from the City of Haverhill to downstream communities," Mayor Reardon said. "Municipalities that rely on the Merrimack River deserve timely, transparent information during an incident of this magnitude."

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, Mayor Reardon expressed concern about the broader impacts on public health, local businesses, tourism, and recreation throughout the Merrimack River region.

"We are facing what could become both a public health emergency and an economic hardship for many of our local businesses that depend on visitors during one of the busiest weeks of the year," Mayor Reardon said. "The most important objective right now is stopping the discharge and restoring normal operations as quickly as possible."

The City is also consulting with legal counsel to evaluate any legal remedies that may be available once the immediate public health emergency has been addressed.

Residents are urged to avoid contact with the Merrimack River until further notice, consistent with public health guidance. The City will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available and will reopen Plum Island Beach for swimming as soon as testing confirms it is safe to do so.

Mayor Reardon concluded, "I know many residents are frustrated and concerned. Please know that your City is fully engaged, working with every available state and regional partner, and will continue to push for accountability, transparency, and the swift resolution this situation demands."