Beach nightmare: 2 dozen beaches in Massachusetts close this weekend due to high amounts of fecal bacteria
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said 24 beaches are closed to the public due to elevated levels of bacteria in the ocean.
FILE: Fast Five: Most bacteria-polluted beaches in America
The Surfrider Foundation released its list of the top most bacteria-polluted beaches in America during 2023.
MASSACHUSETTS – Unpleasant news for beachgoers in Massachusetts this weekend, as over 20 beaches are closed throughout the state for the long holiday weekend.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 24 beaches are currently closed to the public due to elevated levels of bacteria in the ocean.
HIGH FECAL BACTERIA LEVELS TRIGGER SWIM ADVISORIES, CLOSURES AT NEW JERSEY BEACHES
This comes as numerous advisories were activated for beaches in New Jersey for the same issues.
At least eight beaches and lakes in the state have been shut down for health concerns and poor water quality due to high amounts of bacteria.
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)
As the official start of summer approaches at the end of this weekend, residents will miss the chance to enjoy the pleasant weather at popular beaches in areas like Gloucester, where people often flock to Good Harbor Creek, which is famous for its fishing.
WHAT IS THE FECAL BACTERIA ENTEROCOCCI AND WHY DOES IT IMPACT BEACHES?
Closed Massachusetts beaches
The following beaches are closed for the holiday weekend, according to officials.
- Brewster Cliff Pond at DYS
- Brewster Cliff Pond at Main
- Brewster Flax Pond
- Gloucester Good Harbor Creek
- Manchester Magnolia East
- Manchester White Beach
- Nantucket Sesachacha Pond
- Natick Cochituate State Park
- Pittsfield Lulu Pond Beach
- Plymouth College Pond Day
- Plymouth Fearings Pond Beach 2
- Provincetown Kendall Lane
- Rockport Front Beach
- Salem Forest River Point
- Salem Juniper Point
- Swansea Cedar Cove Club
- Swansea Sandy Beach
- Swansea Town Beach
- Templeton Beamans Pond Campground
- Templeton Beamans Pond Day Beach
- Winchester Shannon Beach
- Constitution Beach North
- Constitution Beach Middle
- Constitution Beach Recreation Center
People on a beach near the small fishing community of Menemsha on MarthaÕs Vineyard, Massachusetts, USA.
(Avalon/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
Unfortunately, numerous beaches have closed due to the same issue, as cyanobacteria and an overabundance of other bacteria have invaded the state.
HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR POPULAR FLORIDA GULF COAST BEACHES DUE TO FECAL BACTERIA IN WATER
Bacteria found in human and animal feces can cause serious health problems if levels exceed water quality standards in recreational areas.
People take refuge at Carson beach from the blazing sun during a heatwave in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 19, 2024. Extreme heat and high humidity smothered the central and northeastern US on June 18, 2024, with temperature records expected to melt away in the coming days, authorities warned. Forecasters predicted temperatures could hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit (about 38 Celsius) in parts of New England by June 20.
(Joseph Prezioso / AFP / 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."
Boston, MA — July 18: Savin Hill Beach doesn't look inviting and is closed due to high levels of bacteria.
(John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe / Getty Images)
Thankfully, 1,000 freshwater and marine beaches used for recreation in Massachusetts have been frequently monitored for bacteria during the beach season since 2001.
People pack the sand and spaces were limited at Good Harbor Beach in Gloucester, Massachusetts on July 7, 2023.
(Joseph PREZIOSO / AFP / Getty Images)
Pollution in beach water is often the result of stormwater runoff, leaking sewer pipes, pet waste, sewer overflows and poorly functioning septic systems.
TOP 10 BEST BEACHES IN THE WORLD FOR 2026 ANNOUNCED
Be sure to check back for updates as officials work to reopen beaches to the public as soon as possible.