Beaches declared clean despite rising bacteria concerns

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of beach cleanliness and public health concerns related to water quality. The Director of Public Works expressed confidence that local beaches are cleaner than ever, attributing ongoing improvements to consistent maintenance efforts. He noted that while weather events can temporarily affect water quality, there are no alarming trends in the growth of harmful bacteria, specifically enterococci.

Councilor Graub highlighted a recent Boston Globe article that compared swimming areas across the Commonwealth, emphasizing that Gloucester has a relatively low incidence of beach closures and contamination. He encouraged residents to review the article, which underscores the effectiveness of local efforts in maintaining safe swimming conditions.

The discussion also touched on the health risks associated with swimming in contaminated waters. The Director warned that exposure to bacteria can lead to various health issues, ranging from mild stomach ailments to severe conditions like urinary tract infections and sepsis. He reiterated the importance of adhering to posted warnings and keeping children out of the water during advisories to prevent illness.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of local officials to ensure beach safety and the proactive measures being taken to protect public health in Gloucester.