The Haverhill sewer rupture — causing about 8 million gallons of untreated wastewater to flow into the Merrimack River per day as of Monday — contributed to a spike in Massachusetts beach closures ahead of a scorching heat wave and July 4 holiday weekend on Tuesday.
The number of Massachusetts beaches closed to swimming rose to 41 on Tuesday, with Plum Island, Salisbury Beach, Essex beaches and Crane Beach in Ipswich among those off limits as temperatures are forecast to skyrocket past 100 degrees on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The National Weather Service upgraded the Extreme Heat Watch to an Extreme Heat Warning beginning Wednesday morning and now lasting into Saturday.
Most of the beaches that close across Massachusetts each summer do so because of high bacteria levels caused by storm runoff and other means of fecal contamination. Water quality at public beaches in Massachusetts is required to be monitored by local public health departments.
When the water quality is unsafe, the beach must be "posted" with a sign indicating that swimming is unsafe and may cause illness.
Massachusetts beaches closed as of 10 a.m. on Tuesday include:
The bacteria used as indicator organisms to test the waters at beaches are Enterococci and E. coli. Marine beaches are tested for the presence of Enterococci. Freshwater beaches are tested either for the presence of E. coli or Enterococci. Enteric bacteria are indicator organisms found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans, often associated with fecal contamination.
An elevated presence of these organisms indicates the water may not be safe for human or animal consumption or contact, and may cause symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal pain to eye and ear discomfort to flu-like symptoms.
Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing serious symptoms.
Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.
Latest Forecast (National Weather Service):
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. South wind 5 to 13 mph.
Tuesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. Southwest wind 13 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Wednesday
Partly sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Heat index values as high as 103. Southwest wind around 15 mph.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 79. Southwest wind 7 to 11 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Thursday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. West wind around 8 mph.
Thursday Night
Clear, with a low around 80. West wind 5 to 8 mph.
Friday
Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. West wind 7 to 11 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 77. West wind 5 to 8 mph.
Independence Day
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 93. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 10pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph, becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind 3 to 5 mph.
Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 83. Light east wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
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