Health Officials Issue Beach Advisories in Several States After Bacteria Tests

Public health officials across several states have issued water quality advisories and beach closures as the summer swimming season continues. In Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington, authorities have restricted beach access due to elevated levels of bacteria, sewage contamination, and urban runoff, according to Fox News.

In New York City, advisories are currently in effect for Schuyler Hill Civic Association in the Bronx, Douglaston Manor in Queens, Gerritsen/Kiddie Beach in Brooklyn, and the swimming beach at Kingsborough Community College.

Testing at these locations revealed enterococci bacteria levels exceeding 100 per 110 milliliters, surpassing the marine water safety threshold of 104 per 100 milliliters. A report evaluating the 2025 summer season found that eight of 11 New York City beaches along the Long Island Sound received poor grades of D or F for water quality.

The report noted that several private membership clubs, including the White Cross Fishing Club, American Turners, and Trinity Danish Young People’s Society, were among the lowest-performing sites.

The primary cause of these poor water quality ratings is the proximity to aging combined sewer systems. New Jersey officials have issued swimming advisories for eight locations due to high fecal bacterial concentrations, including Ferry and Bay, Baywyn and Bay, Wildwood and Bay, Cedar Point Beach, Beachwood Beach West, Mirror Lake, Sleepy Lagoon, and Vernon Valley Lake.

Breesley’s Point Beach in Upper Township and Lake Meridian Park were fully closed to the public.

In Massachusetts, multiple beaches were closed after testing confirmed high levels of bacteria and the presence of algae blooms, including Damon Pond Beach, both beaches at Cliff Pond, Cochituate State Park, College Pond, both Fearings Pond beaches, Forest River, and Juniper Point.