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Several Boston-area beaches closed due to bacteria fears

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 10, 2009 01:19 PM

By Martin Finucane, Globe Staff

The state Department of Conservation and Recreation is recommending that people stay out of the water at several Boston-area beaches, warning that they could get sick if they take a dip.

Red flags are flying, signs are posted, and lifeguards are urging people not to swim at Tenean Beach in Dorchester, Carson Beach in South Boston, and parts of Wollaston Beach in Quincy.

The probable culprit is the recent rains, which have washed animal waste, such as dog and bird droppings, into storm sewers that dump into the water, said DCR spokeswoman Wendy Fox. That can lead to the enterococcus bacteria entering the water, which can cause gastrointestinal illness for those who come in contact with it, she said.

The DCR is also advising people not to get in the water at the Pearl Hill Beach at the Willard Brook State Forest.

Since Memorial Day, scores of Massachusetts beaches have faced temporary swimming closures as heavy rains overwhelmed sewer systems and swept contaminants into coastal waters and inland lakes, the Globe reported Thursday.

Beaches that face the open ocean have a better chance of staying open after heavy rains, officials say.

With the rains ending Wednesday, the amount of contaminants being carried into the water is likely declining, Fox.said.

All beaches could be back to normal by tomorrow, she said. Reopening "can happen fast," she said. "It's possible, barring rain."

Fox recommended that people call the department's beach water quality hotline at 617-626-4972 to check out water conditions at DCR beaches.