Beverly's Beaches Off Limits To Swimming Expands Back To 5

BEVERLY, MA — The number of Beverly beaches where swimming was not allowed as of Wednesday was back up to five after two more beaches tested for elevated bacteria levels.

Dane Street Beach and Woodbury Beach were added to the list of those with high bacteria levels on Wednesday. Brackenbury Beach, Obear Beach and Mingo Beach remained off-limits from last week.

"The city continues to test our beaches regularly as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and we will update the community as water quality improves," Beverly officials said late Wednesday afternoon.

Beverly had six beaches where swimming was prohibited to begin the weekend but lifted the ban on three of those on Sunday. Heavy rains such as those that deluged the region on Monday, however, are one factor in creating the type of runoff that often leads to high bacteria levels.

Contamination sources are also leaking pipes or septic systems, and pet and wildlife waste.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, most swim-related illnesses are associated with disease-causing organisms that are linked to fecal contamination.

Indicator organisms are used to predict the presence of pathogens associated with this fecal contamination. 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.)