State Officials Advise Checking Water Quality Before Swimming

Officials in various states are advising beachgoers to review local water-quality advisories before swimming this summer. Elevated bacteria levels have led to beach closures and health alerts in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington state.

Last summer, a report from Environment America Research & Policy Center highlighted that 61% of U.S. beaches had potentially unsafe contamination levels. Contaminants can come from fecal matter due to urban runoff and sewage overflows, as well as harmful pathogens from factory farms.

Iowa Beach Warnings

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has advised against swimming at certain beaches due to high E. coli levels. Affected locations include Backbone Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, Geode Lake Beach, Union Grove Beach, Pleasant Creek Beach, and Nine Eagles Beach. E. coli, while generally harmless, can cause serious health issues for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The Iowa DNR provides an online monitoring page indicating beach conditions.

Massachusetts Beach Closures

This month, officials closed multiple Massachusetts beaches to swimming due to high bacteria levels and toxic blue-green algae. Locations include Damon Pond Beach, Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, Fearings Pond, Forest River, and Juniper Point. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health offers an Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard with data updates throughout the beach season.

New Jersey and Washington State Advisories

Washington state’s advisory map identifies beaches with increased bacteria levels, issuing swimming advisories at Freeland County Park/Holmes Harbor, Walker County Park, Squaxin Park, Little Squalicum Park, West Bay Park, and Thea Foss Waterway. These advisories are labeled as permanent in some cases. Currently, Lake Meridian Park is also closed due to high bacteria levels, as announced by the City of Kent.

New Jersey health officials recently issued advisories due to high fecal bacterial levels at beaches including Ferry, Baywyn, Wildwood, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon, and Vernon Valley Lake. Beesley’s Point Beach has been closed.

Health Risks and Recommendations

Infection with E. coli can cause symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Severe infections may lead to dehydration. It is crucial to stay informed about local water safety to protect your health.

Teresa Mull writes for the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.