Officials in multiple states urge beachgoers to review local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer. Elevated bacteria levels have led to beach closures and health warnings in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington State.
Last summer’s data from Environment America Research & Policy Center showed that 61% of U.S. beaches experienced potentially unsafe contamination levels. Contaminants include fecal matter from urban runoff and sewage overflows, as well as unhealthy pathogens from factory farms.
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) advises against swimming at several beaches. Elevated E. coli levels have been reported at Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach, and Nine Eagles Beach.
Beaches across the nation, like those in New Jersey, have reported elevated bacteria levels rendering swimming unsafe. (iStock)
The CDC notes that E. coli is usually harmless, forming part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, specific strains can pose serious health risks to vulnerable groups including young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The Iowa DNR provides an online beach monitoring page, showing statuses such as “ok for swimming,” “swimming not recommended,” “beach closed,” “insufficient data,” or “special status.”
In Massachusetts, officials have closed several beaches to swimming due to high bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae, and other concerns. NBC Boston reports closures at Damon Pond Beach, Cliff Pond beaches, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River, and Juniper Point.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health maintains an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard, updated hourly throughout the beach season.
Washington State also lists several beaches under permanent swimming advisories due to unsafe water quality. The state’s official beach advisory map warns of increased bacteria levels at Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway.
Lake Meridian Park in Kent is closed because of high bacteria levels, according to the City of Kent.
Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, as stated by the CDC.
Teresa Mull, part of the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, contributed this report.
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