3 beaches get all clear after bacteria count drops

By Globe Staff

Red flags and warnings about water quality were removed this afternoon from three state beaches after tests showed that bacteria counts there had dropped.

Earlier today the state Department of Conservation and Recreation had been strongly discouraging swimming at King's Beach in Lynn, Tenean Beach in Dorchester, and Wollaston Beach in Quincy. Daily water quality tests had found high levels of the bacteria Enterococcus, according to spokeswoman Wendy Fox.

New tests found that the bacteria levels had dropped low enough that the water was again safe. All three beaches are located in interior, urban areas where it takes a long time for the tide and currents to flush out impurities.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation overseas a total of 26 beaches from Salisbury to Martha's Vineyard. For up to the minute information, call the state's water quality hotline at 617-626-4972.