Water Quality Warnings and Beach Closures Across the U.S.

As summer continues, public health officials in various states have put water quality advisories in place and closed certain beaches. This is primarily due to rising levels of bacteria, issues with sewage contamination, and rain-induced runoff.

In places like Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington, access to beaches has been limited because of these concerns. It’s not just a minor issue—these high bacteria levels often relate to harmful algal blooms and a surge in bacterial populations.

In New York City, specific areas are currently under advisory, including parts of the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Kingsborough Community College’s swimming beach. In these places, testing showed enterococcal bacteria levels that exceed safe standards.

A recent report for the 2025 summer season highlighted that eight out of eleven beaches along Long Island Sound received poor marks for water quality. Notably, several private clubs were identified as among the worst offenders, with concerns largely stemming from their closeness to aged combined sewer systems.

These systems, especially during storms, unfortunately discharge untreated sewage mixed with rainwater into local waters, leading to an unhealthy build-up of bacteria.

In New Jersey, several beaches, such as Ferry and Bay and Cedar Point Beach, have been flagged with swimming advisories due to elevated fecal bacteria levels. This isn’t just a small-scale issue; it’s a widespread concern across multiple locations.

Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, numerous beaches like Damon Pond and Cliff Pond have been shuttered after tests revealed concerning levels of bacteria and algae. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has also reported health alerts for several beaches following high E. coli readings. Interestingly, in Washington state, a number of these recommendations are labeled as “permanent.”

Health officials have raised alarms regarding the dangers of swallowing contaminated beach water, which can lead to severe illness. Enterococcus exposure, for instance, can trigger nausea, vomiting, and urinary tract infections. E. coli poisoning may show up within days, often resulting in abdominal pain and serious complications, particularly dangerous for young children.