August 5, 2026
Media Contact: Avanti Allen-Benson, PIO, avanti.allen-benson@vdh.virginia.gov
Recreational Water Advisory Issued for Hull Creek following Sewer Main Break
PORTSMOUTH, Va.- Out of an abundance of caution and due to the anticipated timeline for repairs, the Portsmouth Health Department is issuing a recreational water advisory for Virginia residents following a report of a force main break, a burst in a pressurized sewer pipe.
For the safety of people and pets, Portsmouth Health Department is advising Portsmouth residents to avoid recreational water activities in Hull Creek, such as swimming, wading, tubing, or kayaking, where full-body submersion is more likely to occur. Boating activities where full-body submersion is not likely to occur (motor boating, flatwater canoeing or kayaking, and fishing) may continue with proper caution to avoid exposure to contaminated water.
The advisory is being issued out of an abundance of caution because of a 30-inch sewer force main break on Douglas Avenue near Rolfe Terrace, which was discovered on August 4. Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is working to make repairs and clean up the area. An estimated 3 million gallons were released.
Portsmouth Health Department is issuing this advisory for the public to avoid the area until repairs are complete. The advisory area for Hull Creek extends throughout the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River.
To prevent recreational water illnesses due to exposure to sewage spill events, people should:
- Avoid contact with water in the advisory area and observe advisory signage posted at waterbody access points.
- Avoid any area of the water body where water has a foul odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water.
- Promptly wash skin with soap and water if you cannot avoid contact with water in the vicinity.
- Rinse or wash items that come into contact with the water, including clothing, fishing gear, life vests, ropes and paddles.
- Seek medical care and notify your practitioner of the waterbody exposure if you experience adverse health effects after contact with the waterbody.
- When harvesting fish, discard skin, organs, cook the meat to proper temperature, and clean cutting boards and cutting implements with warm soapy water.
For more information, contact the Portsmouth Health Department.
For updates on the repair status, visit the Department of Environmental Quality’s Sewer Main Failure webpage.
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