Beach closures and swimming warnings have been issued in at least 10 states ahead of the Fourth of July holiday due to high bacteria levels.
Some closures are linked to human waste bacteria, while others are due to high concentrations of cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae, in freshwater.
Florida, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York reported dangerous fecal levels on certain beaches last week. Illinois recommended caution Michigan identified 16 beaches Two beaches closed and advisories issued at five beaches..
Vermont alerted six locations advising against swimming due to cyanobacteria overgrowth.
Environment America reports that many U.S. beaches are closed annually due to unsafe bacteria levels. More than half of inspected beaches experienced fecal contamination above EPA standards in 2022.
Swimming in waters with high bacteria levels can lead to illnesses, especially in vulnerable populations.
Research indicates that cyanobacterial algae blooms are increasing due to climate change, posing risks to human health. Cyanobacteria produce microcystin toxin, harmful when ingested in large amounts.
Two Iowa beaches tested high for microcystin, while five others had elevated E. coli levels.
In Massachusetts, 34 beaches closed due to high E. coli or Enterococcus levels, signaling fecal contamination.
Massachusetts Surgeon General Goldstein attributes these spikes in bacteria levels to heavy rains transporting waste to water bodies.
Goldstein estimates 5% of Massachusetts’ beaches are closed, urging people to check health department sites for swimming advisories.
Florida’s Monroe and Hillsboro Beaches are seeing deteriorating water quality from high enterococcus bacteria levels.
San Diego closed three beaches and issued warnings at two due to dangerous bacteria levels.
Bacteria levels fluctuate, so beachgoers should stay updated on safety warnings and practice environmental cleanliness to reduce waste contamination.
Goldstein recommends cleaning up pet waste and trash to prevent bacteria from entering water bodies after heavy rains.
“Environmental bacteria can flow into water bodies after rainy periods,” he said.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
