Officials Warn of Elevated Bacteria Levels at U.S. Beaches

State officials advise beachgoers to check local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer. Elevated levels of bacteria have led to beach closures and alerts in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington state.

Last year, the Environment America Research & Policy Center noted that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels. Contamination can arise from fecal matter due to urban runoff, sewage overflows, and pathogens from factory farms.

Iowa Beach Closures

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has warned against swimming at Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach, and Nine Eagles Beach. Elevated E. coli levels have prompted this advisory.

E. coli is usually harmless and part of a healthy intestinal tract, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, certain strains may cause serious health issues in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

The Iowa DNR provides an online beach-monitoring page, indicating the status of beaches, including advisories for swimming and closures.

Massachusetts and New Jersey Warnings

Massachusetts officials closed several beaches this month due to high bacteria levels and toxic blue-green algae. Affected beaches include Damon Pond Beach, both Cliff Pond beaches, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River, and Juniper Point.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard, with hourly updates during the beach season.

In New Jersey and nearby areas, high fecal bacterial levels led to advisories at eight beaches and lakes, including Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon, and Vernon Valley Lake. Beesley’s Point Beach was closed entirely.

Washington State Advisory Map

The Washington state beach advisory map lists several locations under permanent swimming advisories. These include Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway. Lake Meridian Park is currently closed due to high bacteria levels.

E. coli infection symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, according to the CDC.