RYE — The Town of Rye is aware of an ongoing sewage main break in Haverhill, Mass., that has affected the Merrimack River and is implementing proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
On Saturday, June 27, a large sewer main in Haverhill, Mass., malfunctioned and caused a large, ongoing Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) into the Merrimack River. Neighboring Massachusetts communities closed beaches to swimming and water-related activities given increased levels of pollutants.
There is no indication that any beaches in Rye have been affected at this time.
Rye beaches remain open for swimming. However, the Town is working proactively and remains in direct communication with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). NHDES is responsible for all state beach testing in Rye and is actively testing contamination levels.
According to Governor Kelly Ayotte, NHDES has increased testing and monitoring at New Hampshire beaches in response to the sewage spill in Haverhill, MA and testing is scheduled to continue throughout the holiday weekend. The state will provide updated testing levels to the town as they become available.
The Town of Rye has also been in contact with neighboring communities.
The Town of Rye is sharing this information out of an abundance of caution. Updates to swimming advisories will be shared if and when they become available by the NHDES. Updates, including a live map of affected beaches, can also be found on the state website here. Questions regarding beach testing should be directed to NHDES.
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