Before hitting the beach this weekend, check out this list of closed waterfronts.
Massachusetts heads into yet another heatwave this weekend. If you want to cool down at the beach, make sure you visit a safe and open one. These 49 beaches across Massachusetts are closed as of Thursday, Aug. 1 due to bacteria concerns.
The state’s Department of Public Health says bacteria levels tend to rise right after periods of heavy rainfall. Dirty runoff from the streets gathers excrement and other harmful bacteria in the sewers, which in turn can run into nearby bodies of water.
In Worcester, authorities closed Indian Lake pond due to a very large cyanobacteria presence in the water. The Department of Inspectional Services say they normally add a bit of polyaluminum chloride to the water via a dosing station at the mouth of the lake. Usually, this small amount of chemicals reduces the growth of toxic bacteria in the water. However, recent “low flow” of water into the lake reduced the effectiveness of the chemicals. If you or your pet came into contact with the contaminated water, you should immediately wash off in freshwater, authorities said. If your pet ingested the water, take them to the vet immediately.