Twenty-five beaches are closed in Massachusetts this weekend largely due to elevated bacteria levels, with closures primarily affecting ponds and lakes. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health oversees regular monitoring of over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches, with testing frequencies determined by vulnerability to water quality issues. Factors contributing to increased bacteria levels include rainwater runoff, septic system failures, and waste from animals. Residents are advised not to swim at closed beaches to avoid health risks, and the beach water quality dashboard updates hourly throughout the season.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's interactive beach water quality dashboard, 25 beaches will be closed this weekend. Most of the beach closures are at ponds and lakes.
Bacteria levels in beach water can increase for several reasons, such as rainwater washing pollution into the ocean, broken or leaking septic systems, sewer overflows, and runoff from farms.
'If a beach is closed, do not swim or enter the water at that location to avoid risk of illness,' officials state on the DPH website.
The dashboard is updated hourly between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day, including on weekends, throughout beach season.
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