Officials in several states have advised beachgoers to review local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer. Elevated bacteria levels have led to beach closures and health warnings in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington state.
Last summer, the Environment America Research & Policy Center noted that 61% of U.S. beaches had contamination levels that could be unsafe. Fecal matter from urban runoff and sewage overflows, as well as harmful pathogens from factory farms, can contaminate beaches.
Iowa’s Affected Beaches
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advised against swimming at several beaches, including Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach, and Nine Eagles Beach due to high E. coli levels. This bacterium is typically harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, certain strains can cause health issues in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Iowa DNR provides an online beach-monitoring page that reports the status of beaches as either “ok for swimming,” “swimming not recommended,” “beach closed,” “insufficient data,” or “special status.”
Massachusetts Beach Closures
Several beaches in Massachusetts were closed to swimming this month due to elevated bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae, and related issues. Affected areas include Damon Pond Beach, both beaches at Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, both Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River, and Juniper Point, according to NBC Boston.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard with data updated hourly throughout the beach season.
Washington State Advisories
Washington state’s official beach advisory map informs residents of increased bacteria levels, with local health departments issuing swimming advisories in areas such as Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway. Some water advisories are permanent.
Lake Meridian Park is currently closed due to high bacteria levels, as announced by the City of Kent. Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health continuously updates its water quality dashboard hourly.
Health Risks of E. coli
The CDC warns that symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever, with severe cases potentially leading to dehydration.
Author Teresa Mull is affiliated with Fox News Digital’s Lifestyle team.