Beaches across Massachusetts are facing closures this Tuesday as the state’s Department of Public Health (DPH) reports that nine beaches are off-limits to swimmers due to health concerns surrounding water quality.
Among the closed locations is the main beach at Walden Pond State Reservation, which will remain closed for the entire summer of 2025.
This extended closure is due to the construction of a new, state-of-the-art bathhouse, which is part of a $6.1 million project.
While the main beach is shuttered, Red Cross Beach at Walden Pond will stay open; however, it will not have lifeguards present.
The reason behind the closures is high bacterial levels detected in the water, signaling a risk to public health.
The DPH identifies specific beaches with bacterial exceedance, which include Old Maid’s Park in Great Barrington and North Pond Beach in Savoy.
In Boston, two popular beaches—Malibu and Tenean—are also closed.
Additionally, four access points along Wollaston Beach in Quincy have been closed, affecting parts of the beach at Channing, Milton, and Sachem streets, as well as Rice Road.
The presence of bacteria in beach water can stem from various sources, including:
– Stormwater runoff from rain,
– Failing septic systems,
– Combined and sanitary sewer overflows,
– Leaking sewer pipes,
– Illegal sewer hookups,
– Wildlife and pet waste,
– Agricultural runoff.
To ensure the safety of beach waters, the DPH conducts testing ranging from daily to monthly schedules.
The frequency of testing reflects both the beach’s popularity and its history of water quality issues.
Beaches remain closed until laboratory results return bacteria levels to acceptable limits for swimming.
“Laboratory analysis for all beach samples takes approximately 24 hours,” the DPH explains on its website.
As a result, it is typical for a beach closure to extend for a day or two following an exceedance.
Health risks associated with swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels are significant.
Illnesses can manifest as:
– Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain,
– Respiratory issues including sore throat and cough,
– Skin problems like rashes and itching,
– Eye and ear discomfort such as irritation and aches,
– Flu-like symptoms including fever and chills.
Given these potential health hazards, the public is urged to stay informed about beach conditions and any warnings regarding water safety.
Helpful precautions include:
– Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall,
– Look for signs of pollution like discolored or smelly water,
– Stay away from litter or trash in the water,
– Refrain from ingesting any water,
– Only swim in designated swim areas.
While swimming may not be permitted, visitors can still enjoy the beach for other activities.
Options include playing sports such as volleyball or frisbee, sunbathing, or searching for seashells and sea glass.
To help minimize beach pollution, the public can take simple yet effective measures.
These actions include cleaning up after pets, avoiding bird feeding, using public restrooms, properly disposing of trash, staying out of the water when unwell, ensuring children wear swim diapers, avoiding storm drain dumping, and reducing lawn chemical use.
Using walkways and avoiding erosion-sensitive dunes further helps preserve beach ecology.
Engaging in these practices supports the conservation efforts necessary for keeping Massachusetts beaches safe and enjoyable for all.
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