NEWBURYPORT — Mayor Sean Reardon reports that, on Friday, July 14, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the City of Newburyport that due to elevated bacterial levels, the Plum Island Point Beach will need to close. The Beach will reopen when testing shows levels within the State’s allowable limit.
The Health Department tests Plum Island beaches at least weekly throughout the summer at four testing locations, including 55th Street and Plum Island Point. While this week’s test came back within the allowable limits set by the state, the running average of bacterial levels for the last five tests exceeded the state standard.
Signage will be placed at the entrances and parking lot of the public beach to inform beachgoers, and they are welcome to visit the beach as long as they stay out of the water.
The City will test water multiple times beginning Monday, and reopen Plum Island Point Beach as soon as levels return to normal.
The State’s beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches in Massachusetts to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination. Indicator organisms, which are specific bacteria that resemble harmful pathogens, are used to predict the presence of these pathogens. In Massachusetts, the presence of Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters.
Bacteria can enter beach water through various sources, including stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, wildlife and pet waste, and agricultural runoff. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, eye, and ear symptoms, and in some cases, more serious illnesses. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures.
The City will provide updated information about beach safety as it becomes available.
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