All Beverly Beaches Reopened To Swimming After High Bacteria Alerts

BEVERLY, MA — The final of six Beverly beaches that were closed to swimming for high bacteria levels in recent weeks was cleared from that list as of Wednesday.

While swimming was allowed to resume at most of the beaches that had been closed to swimming early this month when testing revealed bacteria levels used to determine fecal contamination levels had returned to below-alert levels, Obear Park Beach had remained off-limits until this week's Beverly Health Department sampling.

The beaches were closed after testing for indicator organisms that are used to predict the presence of pathogens. Enteric bacteria are indicator organisms found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans often associated with fecal contamination.

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.

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. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)