Bacteria Levels Still Elevated at Merrimack River Sites After Haverhill Sewer Break

Dangerous bacteria levels at multiple Merrimack River sites continue to pose a public-health concern for Haverhill residents, with coverage of the ongoing sewer-break aftermath dominating local reporting as of July 6.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

The Boston Herald reports that contamination from the Haverhill sewer break has not yet cleared at every affected stretch of the Merrimack River, with bacteria readings still elevated at some monitoring locations as repair work at the city's wastewater pumping station proceeds. Per the Herald, new piping was under construction near the station as of June 30. "Haverhill sewer break: Dangerous bacteria levels still at some Merrimack River sites," the Herald reported. (read it at https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/07/05/haverhill-sewer-break-dangerous-bacteria-levels-still-at-some-merrimack-river-sites/)

The Eagle-Tribune published a letter to the editor calling the sewage spill a preventable failure, with the writer arguing the city's response was inadequate. "Haverhill sewer incident is absolutely inexcusable," reads the headline, per the Eagle-Tribune. (read it at https://www.eagletribune.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editor/letter-haverhill-sewer-incident-is-absolutely-inexcusable/article_1215f48e-5419-519d-bb55-d4cbb24c3983.html)

The Gloucester Daily Times reports that commercial clammers in the Essex area remain unable to work their flats even after repair of the Haverhill leak, as regulatory closures tied to the contamination event have not yet been lifted. "Clammers lament flat closures despite fix of Haverhill sewage leak," the Times reported. (read it at https://www.gloucestertimes.com/news/fishing_industry_news/clammers-lament-flat-closures-despite-fix-of-haverhill-sewage-leak/article_c2c20bcb-1fb3-4e08-922f-c83387c1d4dd.html)