GLOUCESTER— The Gloucester Health Department reports that the creek at Good Harbor Beach will remain closed for the foreseeable future due to high bacteria levels.
The closure is restricted to the creek only; Good Harbor Beach itself remains open and swimming can safely continue
Good Harbor Beach and its creek are tested weekly to ensure water quality and safety. Recent testing shows higher-than-safe levels of enterococci bacteria in the creek, which can cause infections, bacteremia, and endocarditis.
The creek was initially closed for the day out of an abundance of caution on June 3, then temporarily from June 10-11, and was closed for the foreseeable future on June 17 as additional testing continues to be conducted and the Gloucester Health Department investigates.
A preliminary survey of the shoreline upstream from the creek has revealed no obvious signs of pollution. The city will sample water upstream to narrow the possible source(s) of the problem. Results will be shared with the state Division of Marine Fisheries, which also conducts sampling in the area due to active, seasonal shellfish beds at the north end of Good Harbor.
Signs will be posted along the creek informing the public about the ban.
