Massachusetts residents and visitors, your weekend beach plans may need a last-minute adjustment! As of Friday, July 18, 2025, numerous beaches across the Commonwealth are under closure or advisory, primarily due to elevated bacteria levels following recent heavy rainfall. Before you pack your beach bag and head out, check this essential list to ensure a safe and enjoyable outing.

Massachusetts boasts some of the most beautiful and beloved coastlines in the United States, drawing millions of sun-seekers and water enthusiasts every summer. From the sandy stretches of Cape Cod to the historic shores of the North Shore and the tranquil freshwater ponds inland, the Bay State offers diverse aquatic experiences. However, the enjoyment of these natural treasures is often contingent on water quality, and this weekend, several factors have led to a significant number of closures.

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Picture: boston25news.com

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) diligently monitors water quality at public beaches throughout the swimming season, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Their routine testing for indicator bacteria, such as Enterococci in marine waters and E. coli in freshwaters, is crucial for safeguarding public health. When these bacterial levels exceed state-mandated safety thresholds, beaches are promptly closed to swimming to prevent potential illnesses.

The Primary Culprit: Bacterial Exceedances Post-Rainfall

The overwhelming majority of beach closures in Massachusetts this weekend are directly attributed to high levels of bacteria in the water. This is a common occurrence, especially after periods of significant rainfall. Here's why:

  • Stormwater Runoff: Heavy rains wash pollutants from streets, lawns, and other impervious surfaces directly into storm drains and, subsequently, into rivers, lakes, and the ocean. This runoff often contains animal waste (from pets, wildlife, and even agricultural sources), septic system effluent, and other contaminants that introduce bacteria into swimming areas.
  • Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) and Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs): In older urban areas, some sewer systems are "combined," meaning they carry both sewage and stormwater. During intense rain events, these systems can become overwhelmed, leading to the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage directly into waterways. Similar issues can arise from overflowing sanitary sewers, even without a direct stormwater connection.
  • Failing Septic Systems and Illegal Hookups: Malfunctioning or aging septic systems in coastal communities can leach harmful bacteria into groundwater, which eventually makes its way to nearby beaches. Likewise, illegal connections where wastewater is directly discharged into storm drains contribute to the problem.

Swimming in water with elevated bacteria levels can pose serious health risks. Exposure can lead to various illnesses, including gastrointestinal issues (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), respiratory symptoms (sore throat, cough), skin rashes, and eye and ear infections. While severe cases are rare, it's crucial to heed closure advisories to protect yourself and your family.

Beyond Bacteria: Other Reasons for Closures

While bacterial contamination is the most frequent cause, other factors can also lead to beach closures in Massachusetts:

  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) / Cyanobacteria: Often referred to as "blue-green algae," cyanobacteria can proliferate rapidly in warm, nutrient-rich fresh and sometimes brackish waters, forming visible mats or scums. Some species produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals if ingested or exposed to the skin. When detected, these blooms necessitate closures to prevent illness. Upper Mill Pond in Brewster, for instance, has seen closures due to cyanobacteria blooms.
  • Construction and Infrastructure Projects: Occasionally, beaches may be closed for reasons entirely unrelated to water quality. A notable example this summer is the main beach at Walden Pond in Concord, which is closed for the entire 2025 season due to the construction of a new bathhouse. These closures, while inconvenient, are often for long-term improvements to recreational facilities.
  • Environmental Hazards: Less common but still possible, other environmental factors like debris after a storm, unusual marine life activity, or even an oil spill (though rare) could trigger a closure for public safety.

Your Essential List of Massachusetts Beach Closures This Weekend (As of Friday, July 18, 2025):

Please note: This list is subject to change rapidly. Always consult the official Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard for the most up-to-the-minute information before heading to any beach.

Here's a breakdown of some of the beaches reported closed or under advisory, based on the latest available information:

Coastal Beaches (Bacterial Exceedance unless otherwise noted):

  • Ashland: Ashland Reservoir - Main Beach
  • Beverly: Brackenbury
  • Boston: Tenean (due to rainfall)
  • Bourne: Patuisset, Washburn Island Campers Beach
  • Chatham: Jackknife Harbor
  • Danvers: Sandy Beach
  • Dartmouth: Jones Town Beach North (Combined Sewer Overflow/Sanitary Sewer Overflow event), Jones Town Beach South (CSO/SSO event), Moses Smith Creek
  • Eastham: S. Sunken Meadow
  • Falmouth: Washburn Island Campers Beach
  • Lynn: Kings @ Eastern Ave, Kings @ Kimball Road, Kings @ Pierce Road
  • Marblehead: Grace Oliver
  • Mashpee: South Cape Beach
  • Quincy: Wollaston @ Channing Street, Wollaston @ Milton Street, Wollaston @ Rice Road, Wollaston @ Sachem Street
  • Salem: Children's Island - Back, Willow Avenue
  • Swansea: Leeside
  • Winthrop: Donovans, Halford

Freshwater Beaches/Ponds (Bacterial Exceedance unless otherwise noted):

  • Ashby: Damon Pond Beach (Other - often construction or specific local issue)
  • Brewster: Upper Mill Pond (Harmful Cyanobacteria Bloom)
  • Brookfield: South Pond
  • Concord: Walden Pond - Main (Closed for the entire summer due to construction)
  • Medford: Wrights Pond @ Deep End, Wrights Pond @ Shallow End
  • North Andover: Frye Pond Beach
  • Templeton: Beamans Pond - Campground, Beamans Pond - Day Use
  • Westminster: Crow Hill Pond Beach
  • Winchester: Shannon Beach @ Upper Mystic

Important Considerations for Beachgoers:

  • Check Before You Go: The single most important piece of advice is to always check the Massachusetts DPH Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard (mass.gov/info-details/interactive-beach-water-quality-dashboard) before leaving your home. This dashboard is updated daily and provides the most accurate, real-time information on beach status. Many local health departments also have their advisories.
  • Look for Posted Signs: Even if you check online, always look for posted signs at the beach itself. Beaches under advisory or closure will typically have prominent "No Swimming" signs or red flags.
  • Observe Water Conditions: Even if a beach isn't officially closed, use your judgment. If the water appears discolored, cloudy, has an unusual odor, or you see visible debris, it's best to avoid swimming.
  • Avoid Swimming After Heavy Rain: As demonstrated by this weekend's closures, heavy rainfall significantly increases the likelihood of bacterial contamination. It's generally advised to wait at least 24-48 hours after a significant rain event before swimming.
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Shower before and after swimming, avoid swallowing beach water, and ensure young children wearing diapers have appropriate swim diapers and are changed frequently away from the water's edge.
  • Help Prevent Contamination: Do your part by picking up pet waste, disposing of trash properly, and avoiding the use of fertilizers and pesticides near waterways. These small actions contribute to cleaner water for everyone.

The Broader Picture: Climate Change and Coastal Resilience

The increasing frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, a hallmark of climate change, are exacerbating water quality issues along Massachusetts' coastlines and inland waters. As sea levels rise and coastal storms become more severe, the impact on beach infrastructure and natural systems that filter pollutants will become even more pronounced. Coastal erosion, a natural process, is also being intensified by climate change, threatening the very existence of some beaches and leading to potential damage to septic systems and other infrastructure that can further contribute to water contamination.

Massachusetts is actively working on coastal resilience strategies to mitigate these impacts, but public awareness and responsible behavior are also key. Understanding the interconnectedness of our environment, from urban runoff to ocean health, is vital for preserving these cherished recreational spaces for future generations.

Conclusion

While beach closures are undoubtedly disappointing, they serve as a critical public health measure. This weekend, with numerous Massachusetts beaches impacted by bacterial exceedances and other issues, it's more important than ever to be informed. By utilizing the resources provided by the Massachusetts DPH and exercising caution, you can still find safe and enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of the Commonwealth's waterfronts. Remember to check the official dashboard, heed all warnings, and prioritize your health and safety above all else. Enjoy your weekend, and swim smart!