Here is a list of the cleanest and dirtiest beaches on the Long Island Sound

A water quality report from Save the Sound grades Long Island Sound beaches by collecting water samples throughout the swimming season and testing for bacteria linked to sewage, stormwater runoff, pet waste, and other contaminants. Beaches receive grades based on how often they meet safe swimming standards. Across the region, 77% of beaches earned A or B grades in 2025, the strongest performance since 2022. New York City beaches performed poorly, with 8 of 11 Sound beaches earning Ds or Fs. Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows were identified as the biggest causes, releasing untreated sewage mixed with rainwater during heavy rain events. Orchard Beach earned a B+ and tied with West Fordham Street Association, while Morris Yacht and Beach Club earned a B. Private beaches along Eastchester Bay received the lowest scores.

"The annual report card evaluates beaches from the western end of Long Island Sound all the way to Block Island by testing for bacteria associated with sewage, stormwater runoff, pet waste and other contaminants. Water samples are collected throughout the swimming season, and beaches are graded based on how often they meet safe swimming standards."

"Across the Long Island Sound region as a whole, 77% of beaches earned an A or B in 2025, marking the strongest performance since 2022. The less encouraging news? New York City's beaches didn't exactly lead the class. Eight of the city's 11 Sound beaches received Ds or Fs, with several private clubs in the Bronx posting some of the lowest scores in the entire Long Island Sound."

"According to Save the Sound, the biggest culprit remains stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows, which can release untreated sewage mixed with rainwater into surrounding waterways during heavy rain events. At the top of the rankings was Orchard Beach, the Bronx's beloved public beach and the only public beach in New York City located directly on Long Island Sound."

"It earned a B+, tied with the nearby West Fordham Street Association. Morris Yacht and Beach Club wasn't far behind with a solid B. Meanwhile, a cluster of private beaches along Eastchester Bay landed at the bottom of the list. White Cross Fishing Club, American Turners and Trinity Danish Young People's Society each received..."

Read at Time Out New York