NEWBURYPORT — The City of Newburyport announces that all beaches on Plum Island have been closed to swimming effective immediately, following continued testing that shows elevated levels of bacteria.
The state Department of Public Health informed the City of elevated levels on Friday, July 14, forcing the closure of Plum Island Point Beach. Follow-up testing performed on Monday, July 17, showed tests continued to show average bacteria levels for the last five tests exceeded the state’s allowable limit.
The updated closure includes Plum Island Point Beach and the beach accessed through the pathway at 55th Street.
The City will continue to monitor water quality and take water samples for testing several times on Wednesday and Thursday. Beaches will reopen when testing shows levels within the State’s allowable limit.
The Health Department tests Plum Island beaches at least weekly throughout the summer at four testing locations, including 55th Street and Plum Island Point.
Signage has been placed at the entrances and parking lot of the public beach. The public may visit the beach as long as they stay out of the water.
The State’s beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches in Massachusetts to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination. Indicator organisms, which are specific bacteria that resemble harmful pathogens, are used to predict the presence of these pathogens. In Massachusetts, the presence of Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters.
Bacteria can enter beach water through various sources, including stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, wildlife and pet waste, and agricultural runoff. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, eye, and ear symptoms, and in some cases, more serious illnesses. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures.
The City will provide updated information about beach safety as it becomes available.
