By Anne O’Connor
anne@theconcordbridge.org
As of July 10, one monitored beach in Concord, Silver Hill Association, was closed due to excessive bacteria.
Massachusetts monitors water quality at public beaches throughout the state. When bacteria or algae levels are high the beaches are closed.
Children, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most likely to become ill if exposed to pathogens in the water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Contact with algae blooms, including cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can make people sick and kill animals within minutes of exposure. Some toxins harm the liver and kidneys, according to the Center for Disease Control.
Both agencies recommend following advisories, not swallowing water and covering open wounds to keep water out.
You can check water quality before heading out to a public beach at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/current-public-beach-postings. The site is updated regularly.
Climate change is linked to water quality, according to the United Nations water quality site. Flooding can damage infrastructure and contaminate water and land.
Questions, comments or contributions? Let us know at climate@theconcordbridge.org.
