Beach closures in multiple states over high bacteria levels this summer
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Officials in many states are warning beachgoers to check local water quality advisories before swimming this summer.
Rising bacteria levels have led to beach closures and health warnings in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington state.
Last summer, Environment America Research and Policy Center reported “By 2024, 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe pollution levels.”
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The center said beaches can be contaminated by fecal matter from urban runoff and sewage overflows and unhealthy pathogens from factory farms.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warned people that swimming is not recommended at Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach and Nine Eagles Beach due to increased E. coli levels.
Beaches across the country, including New Jersey, pictured, have been listed as having high levels of bacteria in the water making swimming not recommended. (iStock)
E. coli is normally harmless and “part of a healthy intestinal tract,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But some types can cause serious health problems for some people, such as the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
The Iowa DNR has a beach watch page online It reports the status of the beaches as “Suitable for swimming, swimming not recommended, beach closed, insufficient data or special situation.”
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Massachusetts officials closed many beaches to swimming this month due to high bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae and other concerns. These include: Damon Pond Beach, both beaches at Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River and Juniper Point, NBC Boston reported.
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health Maintains Interactive Beach Water Quality Control Panel Data is updated hourly throughout the beach season.
Many Washington state beaches are on the permanent swimming advisory list due to their unsafe waters. (iStock)
Fox Weather earlier this week reported High levels of bacteria in feces led health officials to issue swimming advisories at eight beaches and lakes: Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon and Vernon Valley Lake. Authorities closed Beesley’s Point Beach.
Washington state’s official beach advisory map It warned that “high levels of bacteria are present and a swimming advisory has been issued by a local health department” at Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park and Thea Foss Waterway. Many of these water advisories are listed as “permanent.”
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The City of Kent announced that Lake Meridian Park is also closed due to high bacteria levels. announced.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health updates its water quality dashboard hourly throughout the beach season. (iStock)
Symptoms of E. coli infection may include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, according to the CDC.
