10,000 gallon sewage spill prompts Peconic River advisory

An estimated 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater flowed into the tidal Peconic River after a sewer pipe broke at the Heatherwood construction site on East Main Street, prompting a health advisory for Riverhead residents. The discharge occurred on January 15, 2026 and lasted roughly 45 minutes during routine sewer-line work before crews implemented bypass pumping and repaired the broken lateral.

Riverhead and Suffolk County health officials advised people to avoid contact recreation in the affected tidal stretch east of Grangebel Park until testing shows the water is safe. The advisory covers activities that could involve direct contact with river water, and officials also provided guidance about rinsing and seeking medical care for symptoms after exposure.

Crews working at the Heatherwood site took immediate action to stop the flow by establishing bypass pumping and replacing the damaged lateral, which officials said halted further discharge. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation posted a report about the incident and initiated sampling of the river to measure bacterial and chemical contaminants associated with untreated wastewater. Results from those tests will determine when the advisory can be lifted.

The spill has local implications for shoreline users across the Riverhead stretch of the Peconic. Boaters, paddlers, anglers and dog walkers who use the riverbanks near Grangebel Park should take the advisory seriously, as the tidal nature of this portion of the river can move pollution up and downstream with the tides. Even short exposures to untreated sewage can carry pathogens that cause gastrointestinal, skin and respiratory illnesses, which is why officials emphasized avoiding direct contact until water monitoring confirms safety.

Local officials did not report any injuries linked to the release. The quick response by construction crews to bypass and repair the damaged line limited the duration of the discharge, but the advisory remains in place while DEC sampling and public health testing proceed. Suffolk County health authorities will review laboratory results and notify the public when contact recreation is again safe.

For now, the practical effect for residents is clear: stay out of the water in the affected tidal stretch east of Grangebel Park and follow any additional instructions from county health officials. Testing and cleanup steps in the coming days will determine when river access can return to normal and what follow-up measures might be needed to protect public health.