3 More Beverly Beaches Closed To Swimming Ahead Of Summer Weekend

BEVERLY, MA — Three more Beverly beaches were added to the no-swimming list on Thursday with heavy rain Friday threatening to extend the stormwater runoff danger into the weekend.

Brackenbury Beach, Pleasant View Beach and Rice's Beach were added to Dane Street Beach as those off-limits to swimming because of high bacteria levels typically associated with 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 swimming is unsafe and may cause illness.

Beverly beaches have been plagued with high bacteria levels amid the excessive rain since June with up to six closed at one point. The contamination is often caused by stormwater runoff following substantial rains.

Up to 2 inches of rain are possible on Friday from a strong front forecast to move through the region overnight Thursday through early Friday afternoon. While the weather is supposed to be bright and sunny on Saturday and Sunday, the effects of stormwater runoff of high bacteria levels from heavy rain typically last between 24 and 48 hours after a storm — potentially putting all of the beaches out of commission through the weekend.

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 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 for developing serious symptoms.

Some beach areas may remain open for recreational activities, though any contact with the water is strongly discouraged.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)