All of New Bedford’s East Beach and Sections of West Beach Temporarily Closed to Swimming Due to Elevated Enterococci Bacteria Levels

The public health of New Bedford residents is paramount

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The New Bedford Health Department has issued a closure advisory for swimming in sections of the city’s public “West Beach,” located along West Rodney French Boulevard and all of “East Beach,” located along East Rodney French Boulevard. Water sampling results collected on August 12, 2008, show levels of Enterococci bacteria above the closure level in these swimming areas.

Warning signs have been posted and lifeguards are advising the public to stay out of the water in accordance with the Massachusetts sanitary code. Two sections of West Beach, known as “J Beach and Kid’s Beach” remain open to swimmers, as testing results in those areas showed no increased level of Enterococci bacteria.

The public is advised to avoid all contact with the water in these areas until further notice. The public is advised to avoid swimming, wading, or water play where water could be swallowed or get into the mouth, nose, or eyes. The risk is greatest for young children, the elderly, or anyone with a compromised immune system.

“The public health of New Bedford residents is paramount. We will continue to closely monitor the water quality at all city beaches and will notify the public of any significant changes,” said Marianne B. De Souza, Director of Public Health for the City of New Bedford. City officials attribute the increased bacteria levels to the heavy rain that flooded much of New Bedford earlier this week. Additional water samples were collected this morning and results will be available tomorrow morning. The beaches will be reopened when samples show the concentration of Enterococci bacteria have dropped to safe levels.

Additional information is available by calling the New Bedford Health Department at (508) 991-6199.