Massachusetts Officials Close Beaches Due to Bacteria Concerns
Concord, MA – On Sunday, June 8, Massachusetts state officials announced the closure of three beaches due to elevated bacteria levels, as reported by the Department of Public Health (DPH). Among the closed locations is the main beach at Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, which will remain off-limits for the entire summer due to ongoing construction of a $6.1 million state-of-the-art bathhouse. However, nearby Red Cross Beach will still be open for public use, albeit without lifeguards.
The two other closures include Old Maid’s Park in Great Barrington and North Pond Beach in Savoy, both affected by similar bacterial exceedances. The presence of bacteria in beach waters can originate from various sources such as stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, or wildlife waste.
To maintain public safety, the DPH conducts regular water quality tests, escalating frequency based on the beach’s traffic and historical issues. Beaches remain closed until laboratory analyses confirm that bacteria levels have returned to acceptable standards—a process that typically takes about 24 hours following a high reading.
Swimming in contaminated waters poses significant health risks, including gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatological issues. Thus, the DPH encourages beachgoers to stay informed about closures and cautions against swimming after heavy rain or near visible pollution.
Despite these closures, residents can still enjoy beach areas for activities like volleyball and sunbathing. Public contributions like cleaning up after pets, using restrooms, and avoiding water entry when ill can significantly reduce contamination risks. For further safety details, the public is directed to consult the DPH’s resources.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
