Beachgoers should be cautious this summer and check local water-quality advisories before swimming. Officials in several states are warning of potential health risks due to elevated bacteria levels. Beach closures and health alerts have been issued in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington state.
Last summer, the Environment America Research & Policy Center reported that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels in 2024. Contamination often results from fecal matter due to urban runoff, sewage overflows, and unhealthy pathogens from factory farms.
In Iowa, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has advised against swimming at several beaches, including Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach, and Nine Eagles Beach, due to elevated E. coli levels.
E. coli is usually harmless, being part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, certain strains can cause serious health problems, particularly in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Iowa DNR provides an online beach-monitoring page that reports the status of beaches, indicating if they are safe for swimming or not. In Massachusetts, several beaches were closed this month because of high bacteria levels, toxic blue-green algae, and other concerns. Closed beaches include 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 updates an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard with hourly data throughout the beach season. Additionally, some beaches in Washington state are listed on a permanent swimming advisory due to unsafe water conditions. Recent advisories in Washington include Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway.
Fox Weather reported advisories due to high fecal bacterial levels at eight beaches and lakes in New Jersey, affecting locations such as Ferry and Bay Beach, Baywyn and Bay Beach, Wildwood and Bay Beach, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon, and Vernon Valley Lake. Beesley’s Point Beach has been closed.
Lake Meridian Park in Washington is currently closed due to high bacteria levels, according to the City of Kent. Symptoms of E. coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Severe cases can lead to dehydration.
Teresa Mull, a freelance writer with the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, reported this information.
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