High bacteria levels at Mass. beaches? Here’s why we don’t know
Massachusetts beachgoers might be wondering, after weeks of dozens of beach closures, if their local beach is open on Friday.
But a visit to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) website shows that only three beaches are closed due to high levels of bacteria: Framingham's Learned Beach Pond and Sharon's Community Beach Center and Sharon Town Beach.
All other beaches across the state are in the off-season, according to DPH, when turnout drops and fewer people go to swim, relax or beat the heat.
DPH's website shows that the majority of the state's beaches are in their off-season.
But along with fewer people going to beaches as the summer season cools and fall approaches, state health officials are outside the window in which water safety is tested, according to DPH.
"All public and semi-public bathing beaches in Massachusetts are monitored for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), and on occasion, harmful algae," DPH stated in a 2024 beach testing results report . "Monitoring occurs during the beach season which typically begins the weekend of Memorial Day and ends during the weekend of Labor Day."
Rain and stormwater can be the main factor in bacteria levels rising in ponds and lakes, with other factors including agricultural runoff or animal waste. When people are exposed to water with high levels of bacteria, it can cause them to fall ill and develop gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, dermatological symptoms, eye and ear symptoms or flu-like symptoms, DPH stated on its website.
Several days after Labor Day and with only three beaches listed as closed, how will people know if the water at their local beach is safe to swim in?
Beaches in Massachusetts are required to be tested for "indicator" bacteria, which can show if fecal matter has contaminated the water, DPH told MassLive on Friday. Beaches are then texted within five days of opening and then at least weekly while in operation.
All beaches must have signs that show permanent signs near beach entrances, DPH stated. These signs must show the dates of operation and when the waters are not tested for bacteria outside of these dates (Memorial Day to Labor Day, for example), which may be different for different beaches.
To avoid potential health risks, DPH suggested avoiding swimming after heavy rain events and storms and to watch for "signs" that the water is polluted — discoloring, strong-smelling or fast-flowing water. Do not swim near pipes or trash and avoid swallowing any water where pathogens are present.
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