Cambridge health officials issued a warning to citizens to temporarily avoid contact with a popular stretch of the Charles River after stormwater mixed with sewage was released into the river on Tuesday.
De detailed that the discharge of stormwater and wastewater was carried out on Tuesday between Magazine Park and the Boston University Bridge, and that it was necessary to prevent water from accumulating in the buildings. The job lasted just over three hours.
People have been urged to avoid close contact with the water from upstream of the BU Bridge to the Mass. Ave Bridge, until 3:00 p.m. Thursday. The water poses a risk of exposure to potentially harmful bacteria and other contaminants, such as pesticides or fertilizers, health officials said.
Activities to avoid for now include swimming, rowing, boating, fishing, and more. Pets should also be kept out of the water.
Here is more information available from the Cambridge Department of Public Health.
