Elevated bacteria levels force beach closures and swimming advisories across the US
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, beach closures occur when waters are contaminated with bacteria to prevent people and pets from getting ill.
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Beachgoers across the country are being met with warning signs instead of waves.
Elevated bacteria levels have forced closures and swimming advisories at popular beaches and lakes across numerous states in the U.S., raising concerns about water quality as the summer breaks into full swing.
LONG BEACH, CA - APRIL 21: A sign warns people to stay out of the water at Alamitos Beach in Long Beach on Friday, April 21, 2023. This follows a sewage spill on Thursday in Downey that flowed into storm drains and out to sea.
(Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times / Getty Images)
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), beach closures occur when waters are contaminated with bacteria to prevent people and pets from getting ill.
"Swimming, diving or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can result in gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), respiratory illness and other health problems," the EPA said. "Skin, ear, eye, sinus and wound infections can also be caused by contact with contaminated water."
Scanning electron micrograph of enterococci.
(Lisac Mark, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / FOX Weather)
Beach water pollution is often caused by stormwater runoff, leaking sewer infrastructure, pet waste, sewer overflows and failing septic systems.
The issue is impacting communities from coast to coast, with elevated bacteria levels prompting swimming advisories and beach closures in states ranging from New Jersey to Washington.
NEW YORK
The city that never sleeps may have to stay on shore for now, as elevated bacteria levels trigger swimming advisories at several New York City beaches.
Swimming advisories were issued at several New York City beaches after water samples detected elevated levels of enterococci bacteria.
The affected sites were concentrated in several boroughs in the Big Apple, including in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, as well as waterfront swimming areas along Long Island Sound and the city's southern coastline.
An aerial view of homes along the Long Island Sound in Bayville, New York on Long Island on June 21, 2024.
(Steve Pfost/Newsday RM via Getty Images)
Officials said the advisories were issued after testing found bacteria levels above state health standards, with stormwater runoff and aging sewer infrastructure often cited as contributing factors.
MASSACHUSETTS
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 24 beaches closed on Father's Day weekend, fencing off the public due to elevated levels of bacteria in the ocean.
Unfortunately, numerous beaches have closed due to the same issue, as cyanobacteria and an overabundance of other bacteria have invaded the state.
People on a beach near the small fishing community of Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA.
(Avalon/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
The closures span several popular coastal destinations, including Cape Cod communities such as Brewster, Plymouth and Provincetown, as well as North Shore beaches in Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport and Salem.
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Advisories were also issued at inland swimming areas in central and western Massachusetts, including locations in Natick, Pittsfield and Templeton, while several beaches in the Boston area, including sections of Constitution Beach in East Boston, were also affected.
NEW JERSEY
In New Jersey, high fecal bacteria levels have triggered swimming advisories at eight New Jersey beaches and lakes, with one being completely shut down by environmental officials.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), health officials test approximately 195 ocean and 25 bay stations along the coast each week. These samples are analyzed for Enterococci—a bacteria found in human and animal waste that serves as an indicator of poor water quality.
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While Enterococci bacteria themselves usually do not cause illness, their presence acts as a warning sign that more dangerous viruses or bacteria could be lurking in the water.
New Jersey coastline from above.
(Johnrob / Getty Images)
Swimming advisories and closures were issued at several beaches and freshwater recreation areas across the state after testing detected elevated bacteria levels.
The affected locations were concentrated along the Jersey Shore, including beaches in Cape May County and Ocean County, with one beach in Upper Township closed entirely.
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Advisories were also posted at inland swimming destinations in Burlington, Sussex and Morris counties, including Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon and Vernon Valley Lake.
IOWA
Even land-locked states can't get away from the day-ruining bacteria.
Shifting to the Midwest, numerous lakes and beaches in Iowa reported unsafe swimming conditions due to positive traces of E. Coli, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources.
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State officials issued "swimming not recommended" advisories for eight beaches across Iowa after testing found elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
A red 'No Swimming' flag is seen in Rockaway Beach, New York.
(Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The affected sites are spread across the state, from Backbone Beach in northeast Iowa and Beeds Lake in north-central Iowa to Lake Darling in the southeast and Black Hawk Lake in the west, highlighting the widespread nature of the water-quality concerns heading into the summer recreation season.
While elevated E. coli levels aren't a guarantee of illness, they are often a sign of fecal contamination and can point to the presence of other disease-causing pathogens.
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Swimming in affected waters may increase the risk of stomach bugs, skin rashes, ear infections and respiratory issues.
WASHINGTON
The Pacific Northwest is the latest region to see summer swimming plans disrupted. Last week, numerous popular swimming areas in Washington state were closed.
The latest wave of Washington beach closures occurred when King County health officials shut down swimming areas after water testing found elevated bacteria levels. Most closures are expected to last at least a week or until follow-up testing shows the water is safe for swimmers.
Elevated bacteria levels forced the closure of several popular swimming beaches across the Seattle area in June 2026.
(Genna Martin/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)
Several popular swimming areas across the Seattle metropolitan area and eastern King County were temporarily closed after water testing detected elevated bacteria levels.
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The affected beaches are concentrated around Lake Washington communities, including Seattle, Kirkland and Renton, as well as Lake Meridian in Kent, impacting some of the region's most frequented freshwater recreation spots during the start of the summer season.