Beaches across multiple states have been issued health advisories due to elevated bacteria levels across Labor Day weekend.
States impacted by bacteria-related closures and warnings include California, Florida, and New York.
Why It Matters
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that swallowing water contaminated with bacteria can make you ill, including causing gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea.
It can also cause infections if you enter the water with an open wound or cut, especially from a piercing or surgery.
What To Know
In California, parts of the Imperial Beach and Silver Strand shorelines are closed due to unhealthy bacteria levels, according to the County of San Diego’s Department of Environmental Health and Quality.
Warnings have also been issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for several locations due to bacteria levels, including but not limited to:
- Topanga Canyon Lagoon at Topanga County Beach
- Manhattan Beach Pier in Manhattan Beach
- Hermosa Beach Pier in Hermosa Beach
- Redondo Beach Pier in Redondo Beach
- Redondo Beach at Sapphire St.
- Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey
- Ramirez Creek at Paradise Cove
Several New York beaches are closed to swimming, including Olcott Beach in Niagara county, and Hudson Park Beach, according to state data.
In Florida’s Monroe County, a swimming advisory is active for oceanside Bahia Honda Key, where officials advise against entering the water.
Meanwhile in Hawaii, an advisory is in place urging the public to remain out of Kalauau Stream near 98-711 Iho Place, O’ahu, due to a broken private sewer line.
What People Are Saying
The Environmental Protection Agency says on its website: “Swimming, diving, or wading in water contaminated with fecal bacteria can result in gastrointestinal illness (such as diarrhea or vomiting), respiratory illness, and other health problems.
“Skin, ear, eye, sinus, and wound infections can also be caused by contact with contaminated water.”
John Rumpler, clean water director and senior attorney with Environment America, told The Associated Press: “These beaches are a treasure for families across New England and across the country. They are a shared resource.
“We need to make the investment to make sure that literally our own human waste doesn’t wind up in the places where we are swimming.”
What Happens Next
Regional health authorities provide regular updates regarding water quality at local beaches.
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