Avoid Hop Brook, Thayer and Smith Ponds

The town of Shrewsbury issued on Friday a public health advisory advising residents to not use Hop Brook, which is located on the Northborough and Shrewsbury town line, for recreational purposes such as fishing, boating and bathing. Hop Brook also flows into Smith and Thayer ponds into Northborough.

Due to the recent heavy rains, a manhole structure failed, causing sewerage to make its way into the brook.

Residents are advised to steer clear until further notice.

Drinking water shouldn't be affected, and testing was planned this week for the ponds, according to the Boston Globe. The Globe also spoke with Dan Morgado, Shrewsbury's town manager, who indicated that the area in question runs through wooded areas and "isn't usually a site for canoeing, swimming or fishing."

Shrewsbury's town website posts information and a warning.

It reads, in part: "Bacteria and chemicals from the overflow can increase the risk of getting sick by exposure, and/or consumption of contaminated water or by eating the fish. The bacteria in untreated sewage pose a higher risk to highly susceptible groups such as children, elderly or immune compromised."