Bacterial Levels Rise, Swimming Warnings Issued at Beaches in Multiple U.S. States

As summer arrives, several states in the U.S. have issued swimming warnings or closed parts of beaches due to increased bacterial levels in the water, including Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued a "do not swim" warning for six beaches due to elevated E. coli levels. Massachusetts also temporarily closed multiple beaches this month due to high bacterial counts, toxic blue-green algae, and other issues. Some beaches and lakes in New Jersey have issued swimming warnings because of increased fecal bacteria levels, with Beesley’s Point Beach already closed. Several beaches in Washington state have been listed on the swimming warning list due to high bacterial levels, some of which are long-term warning areas; Lake Meridian Park in Kent has also been closed.