The break of a water main near Water Street in downtown Port Townsend Monday night caused a sewage overflow at the intersection of Water and Monroe streets, according to Jefferson County Public Health.

The spill prompted the health department to issue a “No Contact” health advisory for the shoreline from Madison Street to the entrance to Point Hudson marina. 

The area covered by the order includes Pope Marine Park, the Port Townsend Salmon Club boat ramp and the Northwest Maritime Center. 

Health officials are asking the public to avoid having contact with the water (including swimming, boating, and fishing). 

Officials also note that contact with fecal-contaminated waters poses health risks, and can result in gastroenteritis, skin rashes, upper respiratory infections, and other illnesses. 

Anyone exposed to marine water in the closure area and who is experiencing symptoms should contact a health care provider.

The broken water line was repaired Tuesday.  

The sewage overflow started at 8:11 p.m. Monday, Nov. 19 and ended at 9:05 p.m.

Water samples in nearby Port Townsend Bay were collected after the sewage spill and officials said they will have bacteria results within 24 hours.

The break in the water line happened shortly before 9 p.m. Monday and led to road closures in the area of the break. 

The break left some homes and businesses in the downtown area without water Tuesday, the city of Port Townsend said on its Facebook page. Water to the Port Hudson area was also shut off while a leaking valve was being repaired.