Nearly 40 beaches across Massachusetts are closed as of Monday, July 15 because of high bacteria levels, DPH said.
Thirty-seven beaches across Massachusetts are closed Monday due to excess levels of bacteria, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). This announcement comes amidst a heat emergency in Boston, with high temperatures expected across the state.
The majority of the beaches are closed due to what DPH calls “bacterial exceedance.” However, beaches in Dartmouth are shut down because of “Combined Sewer Overflow.” Officials ask would-be beachgoers to avoid these areas so as not to risk bacteria-borne illnesses. You can stay updated with the department’s notices at their Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard.
Earlier in the summer, DPH shut down 18 beaches for the same reason. The department also temporarily closed 50 beaches in July of 2023, and 40 the year before that.
The DPH says bacteria levels tend to rise right after periods of heavy rainfall. Dirty runoff from the streets gathers excrement and other harmful bacteria in the sewers, which in turn can run into nearby bodies of water. The Commonwealth experienced some recent summer rain storms, which may be the cause of this spike of bacteria in open water.
Swimming in unsafe water can potentially lead to a bevy of health problems. The most frequent and notable effect is Gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea and diarrhea. When ingested, bacteria can also cause flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, and eye-nose-throat problems.
It is unclear when the beaches will reopen. Water testing results take 24 hours, the DPH says, so results typically come out the next day. For now, the department warns beachgoers to be vigilant and check their interactive beach water quality dashboard.
List of beaches closed as of Monday
Ashby
Ashland
- Ashland Reservoir
- Hopkinton Reservoir
Ayer
Barnstable
Boston
- Malibu Beach
- Tenean Beach
Charlemont
Chatham
Clarksburg
Concord
Danvers
Dartmouth
- Hidden Bay
- Jones Town Beach North
- Jones Town Beach South
Dennis
Gardner
Great Barrington
Lunenburg
Mashpee
Nahant
Provincetown
Quincy
Rutland
Salem
- Camp Naumkeag
- Children’s Island
- Ocean Avenue
Swampscott
Templeton
Truro
West Stockbridge
West Tisbury
Winchester
- Shannon Beach @ Upper Mystic
Worcester
- Lake Quinsigamond-Regatta Point Beach
Yarmouth
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