Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource, Water

Public Notification: **UPDATE** 2:45 p.m., February 19, 2026

Following the Feb. 12 sewer leaks, NEW Water has been working to investigate the cause. It has been determined that at the time of the leaks, the temporary conveyance system was out of service and being readied for additional work on the project. During those efforts, a portion of wastewater backflowed through valves that had been opened to prevent freezing damage.

Preventative measures are currently being implemented, including having the contractor perform additional checks on the system. This includes having personnel located at each valve location along the bypass system and walking the length of the piping to do a visual inspection. They will also perform a pressure test of the system for leaks, as well as verify the condition and functionality of each valve.

Caution tape and barricades have been removed from impacted areas. Cleanup efforts were completed on Feb. 13.

Public Notification: 11:00 a.m., February 16, 2026

Cleanup efforts including wastewater removal, rinsing, and disinfection of hard surfaces (including sidewalks, and the East River Trail) were completed by Friday, Feb.13, at approximately 5pm. NEW Water continued monitoring impacted sites throughout the weekend and into this morning. All locations remain stable, and no additional issues have been observed. NEW Water is working with the contractor to ensure appropriate measures are taken before the bypass system is put back into service. NEW Water is grateful to all for assistance, and patience as this issue is resolved.

Public Notification: 3:30 p.m., February 13, 2026

Cleanup efforts are still underway following last evening’s sewer leak incident related to NEW Water’s sewer project.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you and shout out to our valued partners at the City of Green Bay’s Department of Public Works for their swift assistance, collaboration, and partnership. Their crews were instrumental in this cleanup effort. They came to our aid in a time of need, helping us to better serve our community – and we are truly grateful.

As cleanup operations continue, our team has completed a preliminary assessment of the release volumes. Across the six sites, an estimated 8,650 gallons of wastewater were released. Of that amount, approximately 2,200 gallons entered the storm sewer system or the East River. The team estimates a combined 12,000 gallons of snow melt, wastewater, and rinse water (potable water) were removed from the sites as part of the cleanup.

The public is asked to continue to steer clear of workers at these sites, and also avoid taped off areas. The affected areas are near Main Street and Monroe Street; N. Irwin Ave. and St. Clair St.; near the north side of Whitney Park; Pine St. and N. Roosevelt St.; near Baird St. and the East River Trail; and on Pine St. between Webster Ave. and N. Clay St. The City of Green Bay, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Brown County Public Health have all been notified. Sanitary sewer service remains uninterrupted.

Additional information from previous notifications follow below.

Public Notification: 8:15 a.m., February 13, 2026

At approximately 9:45pm on Feb. 12, additional leaks were discovered in additional locations: N. Irwin and St. Clair St.; Main St. near N. Van Buren; Pine St. and N. Roosevelt St.; Near Baird St. and Walnut St. Crews responded to the site quickly and stopped the leaks.

Last night, clean-up efforts were hampered by the frozen conditions, so the team shifted to securing the sites with caution tape to prevent public access. Crews are onsite this morning to coordinate the clean-up efforts under better conditions.

The quantity of the wastewater release is still being determined. Some of the sanitary sewer overflow reached the East River.

NEW Water has notified the City of Green Bay, the Brown County Department of Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sanitary sewer service has not been interrupted.

Public Notification: 9:45 p.m., February 12, 2026

At approximately 6:15 p.m. on Feb. 12, a leak was discovered at a sewer bypass pipe, near Main St. and Monroe St. in Green Bay. The sanitary sewer overflow may have reached the East River at the area of this leak. The quantity is currently being determined.

It is estimated that the leak was stopped within an hour. Cleanup efforts were underway Thursday evening.

This leak occurred during maintenance work occurring on the bypass pipe as part of the Downtown Interceptors Sewer Project. NEW Water has notified the City of Green Bay, the Brown County Department of Health, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Sanitary sewer service has not been interrupted.