As of 6:00PM, we are pleased to report that the entirety of the downtown vacuum sewer system has been returned to stable operation. At this time, residential users can begin to gradually return to normal water use. We are requesting that sewer customers in the downtown area refrain from large water uses right away, such as laundry and dishwashers to ensure the stability of the system as it gets back online.
If the system continues to remain stable overnight with the addition of residential flows, restaurants and businesses may resume normal operation tomorrow morning, Saturday August 13th. We will provide an update early tomorrow morning to confirm.
Thank you again for your patience and cooperation over the last 36 hours. You have allowed our team to make the necessary repairs more quickly.
In the event you are having a sewer emergency, call the answering service at 508-487-5474 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
SEWER PROPERTY AFFECTED ADDRESSES (PDF)
MAP OF AFFECTED AREA:
CLARIFICATION regarding retail food sales: IMPORTANT Sewer emergency message: Food Service licensees in Vacuum Sewer areas and public restrooms are closed pending essential repairs
After internal staff consideration here is a CLARIFICATION on the closure:
- All restaurant food preparation operations and bars are closed.
- ONLY retail sales of commercially pre-packaged ready to eat food items is permitted in the vacuum sewer system area, until further notice.
Please understand that these measures are absolutely necessary to get repairs made quickly.
Without absolute cooperation the emergency conditions will take longer to resolve.
While retail shops and other attractions outside of food licensing are not required to close at this time, they are encouraged to limit staff, limit hours or close up shop.
Open Facilities Locations
- MacMillan Parking Lot
- Grace Hall Parking Lot
- Court Street Landing
- Johnson Street Parking Lot
- East End Playground
- West End Playground
- Motta Field
- Ryder Street (11)
- Cannery Wharf Park
- Beach Forest Parking Lot