These 37 Mass. beaches are closed as heat wave gets underway

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