Boston, Massachusetts — As Massachusetts prepares for what forecasters say could be one of the hottest stretches of weather in years, dozens of beaches across the state have been closed to swimmers because of unsafe water conditions.
State health officials have issued advisories affecting beaches from the North Shore to Cape Cod, citing sewage contamination, elevated bacteria levels, and harmful algae blooms as the primary reasons for the closures.
The restrictions come just as many families are planning beach trips ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.
Sewage Leak Forces Closures Along Merrimack River
Many of the beach closures are linked to an ongoing sewage leak affecting communities near the Merrimack River.
Officials say millions of gallons of wastewater have been flowing each day through two damaged sewer lines in Haverhill, impacting nearby waterways and beaches.
As a result, several beaches in Plum Island, Ipswich, Salisbury, Essex, and Newburyport remain closed until repairs are completed and water quality testing confirms conditions are safe.
Local leaders say emergency crews are working to install temporary infrastructure that could restore normal wastewater flow.
Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett expressed optimism that progress could help prevent disruptions to Independence Day activities.
“We are working with all diligence to get this done.”
“I am optimistic that we will have one of the temporary pipes that will take our normal day’s flow completely and totally to the waste treatment plant sometime within the next 24 hours. I think that will essentially save the Fourth of July from, you know, ruin.”
Bacteria and Algae Also Prompt Swimming Advisories
Not all closures are related to the sewer leak.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, several beaches have been closed because testing detected elevated bacteria levels, which commonly increase after heavy rainfall or runoff.
Other locations have reported harmful cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms, which can pose health risks to both people and pets.
Health officials warn that swimming in contaminated water may cause stomach illnesses, skin rashes, eye irritation, or other health problems.
Young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered especially vulnerable.
Beaches Currently Closed to Swimming
Among the locations listed under swimming advisories are beaches in:
- Ashby
- Bourne
- Brewster
- Dartmouth
- Essex
- Freetown
- Ipswich
- Manchester
- Nantucket
- Newburyport
- Newton
- North Andover
- Pembroke
- Rochester
- Salem
- Salisbury
- Saugus
- Templeton
- Wareham
- Winchester
- Winthrop
Urgent Recall: Thousands of Air Conditioners Recalled Over Potential Fire and Burn Risk
Several beaches in Ipswich, Newburyport, Salisbury, and Essex remain closed specifically because of the ongoing combined sewer overflow event associated with the Merrimack River leak.
Meanwhile, beaches in communities including Wareham, Salem, Winthrop, Dartmouth, and Templeton are closed because of bacterial contamination, while Brewster, Nantucket, and Newton have reported harmful algae blooms.
Officials note that water quality conditions can change quickly as additional testing is completed.
Officials Urge Residents to Check Conditions Before Visiting
State health officials encourage beachgoers to verify water quality before heading out, especially as high temperatures are expected to increase beach attendance in the coming days.
Many swimming advisories are temporary and may be lifted once follow-up testing confirms water conditions have returned to safe levels.
With holiday crowds expected across Massachusetts, authorities are reminding residents that avoiding closed beaches is the safest way to prevent illness while cleanup and monitoring efforts continue.
Are you changing your Fourth of July beach plans because of these closures? What do you think should be done to better protect Massachusetts waterways from pollution? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.