Overview
- Massachusetts closed 24 beaches this weekend because tests found elevated levels of fecal bacteria and toxic algae at multiple sites.
- State health and natural-resources agencies in Iowa, New Jersey and Washington have posted active swim advisories or closures at lakes, parks and coastal beaches.
- The EPA warns that contact with water contaminated by fecal bacteria can cause stomach, respiratory and skin illnesses and that young children and people with weak immune systems are most at risk.
- Officials attribute the contamination to stormwater runoff, leaking sewer pipes, sewer overflows, pet waste, failing septic systems and algal blooms, and they are continuing sampling while updating public dashboards.
- Longstanding monitoring shows this is a recurring problem regionally and nationally, with a 2024 analysis finding widespread unsafe levels at many beaches and officials saying repeated closures could pressure repairs and expanded testing.