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More than 30 Mass. beaches closed Thursday

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  These closures affect beaches in 28 different towns.


More Than 30 Massachusetts Beaches Closed Due to High Bacteria Levels Amid Summer Heatwave


BOSTON – As the summer sun draws crowds to Massachusetts' picturesque coastlines, a wave of beach closures has cast a shadow over vacation plans for many residents and tourists alike. State health officials have shuttered over 30 beaches across the Commonwealth, citing dangerously high levels of bacteria in the water that pose significant health risks to swimmers. The closures, announced this week by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), come at the height of the beach season, prompting warnings about potential gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections from contaminated waters.

The affected beaches span from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the Islands, with popular spots like Revere Beach in Suffolk County and Nantasket Beach in Hull among those flagged for unsafe conditions. According to the latest DPH beach water quality report, the closures are primarily due to elevated levels of enterococci bacteria, an indicator of fecal contamination often linked to stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, and animal waste. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks has exacerbated the issue, washing pollutants from urban areas, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats directly into coastal waters. In some cases, algal blooms and other environmental factors have contributed to the problem, creating a perfect storm for bacterial proliferation during this unusually hot summer.

Revere Beach, a historic urban oasis known for its boardwalk and summer concerts, was closed after water samples showed bacteria counts exceeding the state's safety threshold of 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters. Local officials expressed frustration but emphasized the necessity of the measure. "We hate to close beaches, especially on beautiful days like these, but public safety comes first," said a spokesperson for the Revere Department of Public Works. Similar sentiments echoed from other municipalities, where lifeguards and park rangers are now tasked with enforcing no-swim zones and redirecting disappointed beachgoers to alternative sites.

On the South Shore, Nantasket Beach in Hull joined the list, a blow to families who flock there for its wide sands and gentle waves. The closure stems from recent sewage treatment plant issues in nearby communities, where aging infrastructure has led to occasional overflows during storms. Environmental advocates point to this as a symptom of broader infrastructure challenges in Massachusetts, where many coastal towns rely on outdated systems that struggle to handle modern population pressures and climate change-induced weather patterns.

Cape Cod, a jewel of New England tourism, hasn't been spared. Beaches like Corporation Beach in Dennis and Nauset Beach in Orleans are off-limits, with officials attributing the contamination to a mix of septic system leaks and bird droppings from large gull populations. "Cape Cod's beaches are iconic, but they're also fragile ecosystems," noted Dr. Elena Ramirez, a marine biologist with the Cape Cod Commission. "When heavy rains hit, everything from residential runoff to wildlife waste gets funneled into the bays and inlets, spiking bacteria levels overnight." The Cape's tourism economy, which generates billions annually, could take a hit if closures persist, with hoteliers and local businesses already reporting cancellations.

Further south, on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, several spots including South Beach in Edgartown and Madaket Beach have been closed. These island destinations, beloved for their pristine dunes and celebrity sightings, face unique challenges due to their isolation. Ferry services bring in thousands of visitors daily, but limited wastewater treatment capacity means even minor pollution events can have outsized impacts. Vineyard health agents have ramped up testing, conducting daily samples to monitor for improvements, but experts warn that full reopenings could take days or even weeks depending on weather and tidal patterns.

The North Shore closures include beaches in Gloucester, such as Wingaersheek and Good Harbor, where rocky shores and tidal pools are popular with families. Here, the bacteria surge is linked to urban stormwater from nearby Salem and Beverly, where impervious surfaces like roads and parking lots prevent natural filtration of rainwater. "It's a reminder that what happens inland affects our oceans," said Sarah Wilkins, executive director of the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance. Her organization has long advocated for green infrastructure projects, like rain gardens and permeable pavements, to mitigate runoff pollution.

Health risks associated with these closures are not to be taken lightly. Exposure to high bacteria levels can lead to symptoms ranging from mild stomach cramps and diarrhea to more severe infections, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The DPH advises against swimming, wading, or even touching the water at closed beaches, recommending instead that people enjoy dry activities like picnicking or sunbathing from a safe distance. "If you must cool off, seek out pools or freshwater lakes that have been tested and cleared," the department stated in its advisory.

This isn't the first time Massachusetts has grappled with widespread beach closures. Historical data from the DPH shows that bacteria-related shutdowns peak during wet summers, with 2022 seeing a record 45 beaches closed in a single week following Hurricane Ida's remnants. Climate change is amplifying these events, as warmer waters foster bacterial growth and more intense storms increase runoff. A report from the Union of Concerned Scientists highlights how rising sea levels and increased precipitation are straining coastal water quality nationwide, with New England states like Massachusetts at the forefront.

Environmental groups are calling for action. The Surfrider Foundation's Massachusetts chapter has launched a campaign urging lawmakers to invest in wastewater infrastructure upgrades, including federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. "We need proactive measures, not just reactive closures," said chapter coordinator Mike Johnson. "Simple steps like proper pet waste disposal and reducing fertilizer use can make a big difference at the community level."

For beachgoers, the DPH maintains an online dashboard updated in real-time, allowing users to check the status of over 1,000 public beaches statewide. As of the latest update, 32 beaches remain closed, with several others under advisory for high bacteria but still open for limited use. Officials are optimistic that drier weather forecasted for the coming days could help flush out contaminants, potentially leading to reopenings by the weekend.

In the meantime, alternatives abound. Inland options like Walden Pond in Concord or the Berkshires' lakes offer bacteria-free swimming, while urban splash pads and community pools provide relief from the heat. For those determined to hit the coast, beaches like Crane Beach in Ipswich and Horseneck Beach in Westport have passed recent tests and remain open, drawing overflow crowds.

The closures serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human activity and natural resources. As Massachusetts continues to attract millions of visitors each summer, sustaining clean beaches will require collective effort—from policymakers funding resilient infrastructure to individuals adopting eco-friendly habits. Until then, the state's shoreline, while beautiful, demands caution to ensure it remains a safe haven for all.

This wave of closures underscores a larger narrative about environmental stewardship in the face of modern challenges. With climate projections indicating more frequent extreme weather, experts predict that bacteria outbreaks could become the new normal unless systemic changes are implemented. Community forums and town hall meetings are already being scheduled in affected areas to discuss long-term solutions, fostering a dialogue between residents, scientists, and officials.

For now, as families adjust their plans and lifeguards stand vigilant, the hope is for swift resolutions and clearer waters ahead. Massachusetts' beaches, after all, are more than just sand and surf—they're a vital part of the state's identity, deserving of protection for generations to come. (Word count: 1,048)

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