Health & Fitness
Worcester Reports Sewage Overflow Into Blackstone River
The 5-million gallon overflow happened during a long rain event in Worcester.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester reported a combined sewage and stormwater overflow into the Blackstone River Tuesday morning that released about 5 million gallons of wastewater.
The overflow began around 5:30 a.m. from a pipe behind the Walmart along Tobias Boland Way and ended just before 7 p.m. The discharge will likely be felt downstream of Worcester in Millbury, Sutton and Grafton, according to the city's notice.
"This overflow consists, or likely consists, of untreated or partially treated sewage and waste. Avoid contact with the affected water bodies for 48 hours after the overflow ceases due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants," an overflow notice said.
The discharge is not totally untreated. During big rain events, sewage overflow passes through the Quinsigamond Ave Combined Sewer Overflow Treatment Facility before entering Mill Brook and eventually the Blackstone.
Overflows typically happen during rain events when the city's sewer system reaches capacity. There are about 20 overflows per year, according to city officials.
Like all cities and towns in Massachusetts, Worcester began reporting sewer overflow incidents this summer under a new state law.
