Labor Day Weekend Alert: US Beaches Warned of Fecal Contamination—What You Need to Know!

Beaches across the U.S. are warning swimmers this Labor Day weekend due to high bacteria levels in the water. These bacteria, often from fecal waste, can lead to illness, skin rashes, and nausea.

From Florida to Maine, many popular beaches have issued advisories. Notable closures include Keyes Memorial Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and parts of the Imperial Beach shoreline near San Diego.

In Hawaii, the state health department recently cautioned about high bacteria levels at Kahaluu Beach Park. With many people flocking to beaches to celebrate the summer’s end, this news has come at an unfortunate time.

A report from Environment America found that 61% of U.S. beaches tested had dangerous levels of fecal contamination at some point over the last year. This means that many beaches could pose health risks. The research shows that, on average, 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers might fall sick due to bacteria levels that exceed Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines.

John Rumpler, the clean water director for Environment America, expressed concern about the pollution affecting beach visits. He noted that sources of contamination often include polluted runoff from roads and faulty sewage systems. With efforts to improve water infrastructure crucial, he emphasized how important it is to maintain funding to prevent future pollution.

Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water for at least 72 hours after heavy rains. That’s usually when bacteria levels spike due to runoff. Beachgoers should also keep an eye out for signs like murky water or foul smells, which could indicate contamination.

For more detailed information about beach water quality, you can visit Environment America’s website here.

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