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Officials in several states are warning beachgoers to check local water quality advisories before swimming this summer.
High levels of bacteria have prompted beach closures and health warnings in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington state.
Last summer, the Environment America Research & Policy Center reported that “61% of US beaches will have potentially unsafe levels by 2024.”
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Beaches can be polluted by sewage from cities and sewage overflows and unhealthy bacteria from factory farms, the agency said.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has warned people that swimming is not recommended at Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach and Nine Eagles Beach due to high levels of E. coli.
Beaches across the country, including New Jersey, shown here, are listed as having high levels of bacteria that make swimming in the water unacceptable. (Stock)
IE. coli is generally harmless and “part of a healthy intestinal tract,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But certain strains can cause serious health problems for some people, such as the very young, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
The Iowa DNR maintains an online beach monitoring page where it reports beach status as: “safe for swimming, swimming not recommended, beach closure, data insufficient or special status.”
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Massachusetts officials closed several beaches to swimming this month due to high levels of bacteria, blue-green algae and other concerns. They include: Damon Pond Beach, both Cliff Pond beaches, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, both Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River and Juniper Point, reports NBC Boston.
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an Ocean Water Quality Dashboard with data updated hourly during the ocean season.
Several Washington state beaches are listed under permanent swimming advisories due to their unsafe waters. (Stock)
Earlier this week, Fox Weather reported that high levels of sewage virus caused health officials to issue swimming advisories at 8 beaches and lakes – Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon and Vernon Valley Lake. Officials closed Beesley’s Point Beach.
Washington state’s official advisory map warns that “elevated levels of bacteria are present and a swimming advisory is being issued by the local health department” at Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park and Thea Foss Waterway. Several of these water advisories are listed as “permanent.”
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Lake Meridian Park is also currently closed due to high levels of bacteria, the City of Kent announced.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health updates its water quality dashboard every hour during the high tide season. (Stock)
Symptoms of infection with E. coli can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and fever. Severe conditions can lead to dehydration, according to the CDC.
