Protecting Our Most Valuable Resource, Water

Public Notification **UPDATE** February 27, 2026

Following the Feb. 24 sewer leak as part of the Downtown Interceptor Renewal Project, NEW Water has concluded the investigation of the cause. The release occurred after startup of the temporary conveyance system, when wastewater was released through a ¼ inch valve that had been inadvertently left open. The leak was stopped within approximately 30 minutes. An estimated 160 gallons were released to the ground surface. Wastewater did not reach the storm sewer or the East River. Sanitary sewer service was not interrupted.

Cleanup efforts were completed the same day, and caution tape will be removed from the impacted area. Preventative measures have been taken, and additional inspections and monitoring of the bypass system will be conducted.

3:35 p.m., February 24, 2026

Cleanup efforts including wastewater removal and rinsing were completed at approximately 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 24. Additional preventative measures have been implemented. The contractor will continue to perform regular checks on the system during operation. NEW Water continues to investigate the cause.

1:35 p.m., February 24, 2026

At approximately 10:25 a.m. on Feb. 24, a leak was discovered at the sewer bypass pipe near Pine St. and N. Roosevelt St. in Green Bay as part of the Downtown Interceptor Renewal Project.

Crews responded to the site quickly and stopped the leak. It is estimated that the sanitary sewer overflow was stopped within a half hour with an estimated 160 gallons of wastewater released to the ground surface. Wastewater did not reach the storm sewer or the East River. Cleanup efforts are underway. NEW Water is working to investigate the cause.

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.