Health officials have issued swimming advisories for four New York City-area beaches due to elevated bacteria levels following recent heavy rainfall. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene currently advises against swimming at beaches where water quality samples exceed safety thresholds for Enterococci, which can indicate the presence of fecal contamination and increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness.
Which beaches are affected?
As of the latest update from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the following locations are under advisory:
- Sea Gate Beach (Brooklyn)
- Manhattan Beach (Brooklyn)
- Benedict Beach (Queens)
- Douglaston Manor (Queens)
These advisories are precautionary. Officials maintain that the water quality at these sites may pose a risk to bathers until new testing confirms bacteria levels have returned to within safety standards.
Why does rainfall trigger these advisories?
High bacteria levels at NYC beaches are often the result of stormwater runoff. When heavy rain falls on the city’s paved surfaces, it collects pollutants, debris, and sewage overflow before washing into local waterways. According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the city utilizes a combined sewer system where both rainwater and wastewater flow through the same pipes. During intense storms, this system can reach capacity, leading to Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) that discharge untreated water into harbor areas.
How are beaches monitored for safety?
The city monitors water quality through a rigorous testing program. Throughout the summer season, the Health Department collects water samples from public and private beaches to test for Enterococci, a group of bacteria used as an indicator of water contamination.
When samples show concentrations higher than the state-mandated limit of 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters, an advisory is issued. Once a beach is placed under advisory, it remains under that status until subsequent testing shows the water is once again safe for primary contact.
What should swimmers know?
The city recommends that residents avoid swimming for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, even if a beach is not explicitly listed under an active advisory. Swimming in water with high bacteria levels can lead to symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and infections of the skin, eyes, or ears.
To check the real-time status of any beach in the five boroughs, residents can visit the NYC Beach Water Quality map. The map is updated daily as new lab results become available, providing the most current information for public safety.