Newburyport beaches on Plum Island reopen for swimming after bacteria levels cause closures
The City of Newburyport announced that all beaches on Plum Island will be reopened for swimming after water testing showed significantly reduced bacteria levels. The reopening is effective Sunday, July 23, at 9 a.m.
The city closed all beaches to swimming on July 17 after The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed the city of the elevated bacteria levels, according to city officials.
The city reopened the beach accessible at 55th Street on Friday when new results showed the five-test average within the state allowable limit.
Follow-up tests were performed on Thursday and Friday and results received on Saturday showed bacterial levels at all testing sites are well within the State’s allowable limits.
According to a news release, the city said the health department tests Plum Island beaches at least weekly throughout the summer. State officials monitor for Enterococci and E. coli bacteria is monitored in beach waters.
The state’s beach testing program monitors over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers and prevent pathogens spread by contamination.
Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach closures.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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