Beach Safety Concerns: Water Quality Advisories Across U.S.

Officials from multiple states urge beachgoers to check local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer. High bacteria levels have led to beach closures and health alerts in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington.

Environment America Research & Policy Center revealed that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels last year. Coastal contamination often results from urban runoff, sewage overflows, and pathogens from factory farms.

Iowa Beach Alerts

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources advises against swimming at 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. Beaches across the country, including places in New Jersey, have been flagged for elevated bacteria levels, making swimming unsafe.

E. coli is usually harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract, according to the CDC. However, certain strains pose health risks, particularly to young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems.

The Iowa DNR offers an online beach-monitoring page showing statuses like ‘OK for swimming’, ‘swimming not recommended’, ‘beach closed’, and ‘special status’.

Massachusetts Beach Closures

This month, Massachusetts closed several beaches due to high bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae, and other environmental concerns. Beaches affected include Damon Pond Beach and both beaches at Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, both Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River, and Juniper Point.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard with data updated hourly.

Washington State Advisories

Several beaches in Washington state have permanent swimming advisories due to unsafe water conditions. These include Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway.

Beach advisories in the state caution that high bacteria levels are present. Lake Meridian Park is closed due to elevated bacterial levels, as announced by the City of Kent.

The Massachusetts water-quality dashboard receives hourly updates during the beach season.

Health Risks from E. coli

Infection symptoms range from diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Severe infections may lead to dehydration, as noted by the CDC.

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