Dartmouth Health Board Warns Residents Over Second Sewage Discharge in Clark’s Cove in Two Weeks

DARTMOUTH — The Dartmouth health board is once again warning residents to stay out of Clark's Cove waters, after a sewer water discharge took place on Monday — the second in two weeks.

Dartmouth officials notified residents on Tuesday that the day before, an overflow pipe from New Bedford's combined sewer system — which can contain untreated sewage — was discharged into the cove at Padanaram Street and at Lucas Street.

Four Dartmouth beaches on the cove have been temporarily closed, and residents are advised to avoid contact with the water for 48 hours "due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants," according to the notice.

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This after a previous sewage discharge into the cove earlier this month also caused four beaches to be shut down as a precaution while officials tested the water quality.

The four beaches affected are: Jones, Hidden Bay, Oak Hill Shores, and Anthony's beaches.

Both incidents took place after heavy rains.

Combined sewer overflows are untreated wastewater discharges caused by heavy precipitation, according to the EPA website.

The discharges can include domestic sewage along with rainwater runoff and industrial wastewater.

Residents are encouraged to contact the Dartmouth Board of Health at 508-910-1804 with any questions.