Dangerous bacteria contamination levels trigger urgent health warnings at popular beaches from coast to coast

It's a summer stinker. Elevated bacteria levels have triggered warnings and beach closures, disrupting peak-season plans for visitors and locals hoping to cool off.

From the Atlantic to the Pacific, beaches across the U.S. are grappling with the same stinking problem. 

Most beach closures are triggered by elevated levels of enterococcus or E. coli—bacteria that can wash into the water after heavy rain, when stormwater runoff carries sewage, pet waste and other contaminants into rivers, lakes and the ocean.

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LOS ANGELES

Out West, Californians are dealing with their own woes.

Los Angeles County health officials warned swimmers about elevated bacteria levels at several popular beaches amid peak summer season, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported. 

The warnings are based on elevated levels of bacteria associated with fecal contamination.

While tourists visiting the Golden State from around the U.S. carried on as usual, one expert gave FOX 11 a blunt assessment of the situation.

"You can smell it right now. It smells like poop," said Ashley Oelsen, with the California Coastal Alliance, while testing the water.

Health officials test for indicator bacteria that can signal the presence of contamination from human or animal waste and may increase the risk of illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues, skin irritation and infections.

Environmental concerns emerged over potential stormwater runoff following several recent incidents, including a hazardous materials cleanup at a homeless encampment inside a Los Angeles storm drain, a warehouse fire and herbicide spraying near local waterways, FOX 11 reported.

Over the past week, Los Angeles County health officials have posted water quality warnings at several beaches, including the world-renowned Santa Monica Pier, as well as other popular coastal areas in Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, San Pedro, Will Rogers State Beach and Topanga County Beach.

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For a full list of the beaches currently under advisory, visit the official Los Angeles County water quality advisory website. 

NEW YORK CITY

Beachgoers in the Big Apple were faced with a big problem in the days after the Fourth of July, as over a dozen New York City beaches were put under a swimming advisory due to high levels of bacteria. 

As if the holiday weekend-ruining storms weren't enough, the days of heavy rain ushered in bacteria that forced the closure of popular summer hotspots including Coney Island, South Beach and Midland Beach.

At least 18 locations exceeded the maximum safety threshold for enterococci—a type of bacteria found in human and animal waste that indicates poor water quality.

It is not uncommon for bacteria levels to rise after heavy rain events, which leads to increased stormwater runoff. 

"High levels of rainfall are associated with higher levels of bacteria," according to the NYC Health Department.

These bacteria live in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, making them a clear indicator of fecal pollution. While small amounts occur naturally in soil and plants, high levels typically stem from stormwater runoff, pet or wildlife waste, leaking septics, or sewage leaks.

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. 

For a full list of the beaches currently under advisory, visit the official NYC Health Department Beach Water Quality Map.

EVERYWHERE IN BETWEEN

Across the U.S., bacteria-laced stormwater runoff closing beaches is nothing new. But for many beachgoers returning after the Fourth of July holiday, swimming plans have been replaced with warning signs and in some cases, closures.

The Sunshine State wasn't spared either. In South Florida, health officials issued water quality advisories on July 10 for Golden Beach and parts of Miami Beach after routine testing detected elevated levels of enterococcus bacteria, prompting warnings against swimming and other water-related activities until follow-up tests showed the water was safe again.

After the Fourth, visitors to the Jersey Shore, a part of the annual massive summer migration to the New Jersey coast, dealt with similar bacteria warnings that triggered warnings in the popular hotspot of Asbury Park and surrounding communities. 

Swimming advisories were issued at several popular ocean beaches, including Asbury Park, Avon-by-the-Sea, Deal, Allenhurst, Sea Girt, and bay beaches in Seaside Heights and Long Beach Township after elevated fecal bacteria were detected, according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

On the Great Lakes, on July 7, Michigan's monitoring program reported a swimming advisory at Lighthouse Beach in Silver Lake State Park after elevated E. coli levels were detected during routine testing. The advisory was lifted the following day after water quality improved.

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In the Pacific Northwest, in the Seattle metropolitan area, county officials issued a swimming advisory for the freshwater swimming beach at Houghton Beach Park on July 7 after routine water testing detected elevated bacteria levels.

So, whether you're visiting the coast or a freshwater beach, take a moment to check for swimming advisories and water quality warnings before getting in the water.