Public health officials across several states have issued water quality advisories and beach closures as the summer swimming season continues.
In states such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington, authorities have restricted beach access due to elevated levels of bacteria, sewage contamination, and urban runoff, according to Fox News.
These conditions are often associated with toxic algae blooms and increased bacterial growth.
In New York City, advisories are currently in effect for Schuyler Hill Civic Association in the Bronx, Douglaston Manor in Queens, Gerritsen/Kiddie Beach in Brooklyn, and the swimming beach at Kingsborough Community College.
Testing at these locations revealed enterococci bacteria levels exceeding 100 per 110 milliliters, surpassing the marine water safety threshold of 104 per 100ml.
A report evaluating the 2025 summer season found that eight of 11 New York City beaches along the Long Island Sound received poor grades (D or F) for water quality.
The report noted that several private membership clubs, including the White Cross Fishing Club, American Turners, and Trinity Danish Young People’s Society, were among the lowest-performing sites.
The primary cause of these poor water quality ratings is the proximity to aging combined sewer systems.
During storms, these systems can discharge untreated sewage mixed with rainwater directly into local waterways, contributing to bacterial accumulation.
New Jersey officials have issued swimming advisories for eight locations due to high fecal bacterial concentrations, including Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon, and Vernon Valley Lake.
Additionally, Breesley’s Point Beach in Upper Township and Lake Meridian Park were fully closed to the public.
In Massachusetts, multiple beaches were closed after testing confirmed high levels of bacteria and the presence of algae blooms, including Damon Pond Beach, both beaches at Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, both Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River and Juniper Point.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued health alerts for more than five local beaches following the detection of elevated E. coli levels — in Washington State, many of the advisories are listed as “permanent.”
Health officials warn that swallowing contaminated beach water can cause severe illness.
Enterococci exposure typically triggers nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, or painful skin and urinary tract infections.
E. coli poisoning manifests within days as agonizing abdominal cramps and debilitating, often bloody diarrhea, alongside a low-grade fever. In severe cases, especially among young children, E. coli can lead to life-threatening kidney failure, making immediate medical evaluation crucial if symptoms escalate.
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