Haverhill sewage spill contained, but some beaches still closed to swimming
July 1, 2026
Construction teams have completed a temporary pipeline to stop millions of gallons of sewage from pouring into the Merrimack River in Haverhill, officials said Wednesday afternoon.
But even though the spill has ceased, its effects are still being felt. Residents are being advised to stay out of the water in the river and at beaches downstream for at least 48 hours, or until public health officials say that it is safe to swim.
“This is a major milestone in the emergency response,” Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett said in a statement. “Stopping the discharge into the Merrimack River has been our highest priority since this incident began.”