News Summary
In response to soaring temperatures, Massachusetts has closed 14 beaches due to elevated bacteria levels to protect public health. Notable closures include Constitution Beach in East Boston. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health monitors water quality and updates a dashboard daily. Swimming in contaminated waters poses health risks, and beach-goers are urged to avoid closed areas. Ongoing assessments reveal issues with aging sewage systems and runoff affecting water cleanliness. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about beach conditions to ensure safety.
East Boston, Massachusetts – In response to soaring temperatures reaching into the 90s on Thursday, state health officials have closed over a dozen beaches in Massachusetts due to elevated levels of bacteria. These closures aim to protect public health as concerns mount regarding swimming in contaminated waters.
As of Thursday, a total of 14 beaches, lakes, and ponds have been shut down following assessments that revealed unsafe bacteria levels. Among the notable locations affected is Constitution Beach in East Boston. State health authorities have urged beach-goers to stay away from these closed areas to avoid potential illness.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health actively monitors water quality, providing a daily dashboard that updates the status of beach closures. This resource is available to the public and is updated hourly from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the beach season, which runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
List of Closed Beaches
The following beaches have been closed due to high bacteria counts or other reasons:
- Damon Pond Beach, Ashby
- Richard P. Sharon Beach, Marlboro
- Miacomet Pond, Nantucket (reported harmful cyanobacteria bloom)
- Short Beach, Revere
- Collins Cove, Salem
- Juniper Point, Salem
- Steps Beach, Salem (other reasons)
- Peckham Pond at Cape Nihan, Saugus
- Beamans Pond, Templeton
- Pearl Hill Pond Beach, Townsend
- Crow Hill Pond Beach, Westminster
- Donovans Beach, Winthrop
- Halford Beach, Winthrop
Health Risks of Swimming in Contaminated Water
Swimming in waters contaminated with bacteria can pose significant health risks, including gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, as well as skin rashes and itching. Bacteria can infiltrate water bodies through several avenues, such as stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, and waste from wildlife and pets, along with agricultural runoff.
Water Quality Monitoring
According to sources tracking water quality, reliable beaches should sustain ratings over 85 percent. The frequent closures observed in certain areas are often attributed to aging sewage systems and a high volume of stormwater runoff that compromise water cleanliness. In contrast, Save The Harbor/Save The Bay has reported that South Boston hosts some of the cleanest urban beaches in the nation, with locations like Pleasure Beach and City Point receiving commendable ratings for water quality.
Despite these positive ratings, four beaches in the area have fallen below the 80 percent mark in annual evaluations, indicating a troubling history of high bacteria counts. Local health experts emphasize the importance of maintaining beach safety and cleanliness, particularly during peak summer days when many seek relief from the heat.
Conclusion
As temperatures continue to rise, residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about beach conditions and prioritize their health by avoiding swimming in areas that are currently closed. The state remains vigilant in its monitoring efforts, with updates available on a dedicated dashboard to ensure that public safety remains a top priority.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: Beaches Closed in Massachusetts
- Boston 25 News: Dozen Massachusetts Beaches Closed
- WHDH: List of 12 Massachusetts Beaches Closed Due to Bacteria
- Boston Globe: Best Boston Beaches and Water Levels
- Wikipedia: Beach
- Google Search: Massachusetts Beach Health Risks
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bacteria
