Framingham Beach Closed After E. Coli Found In Water

FRAMINGHAM, MA — With a heatwave on the way this weekend, many Framingham residents will have plans to cool off at the beach — they might have to cross Waushakum Beach off the list. Water tests for Waushakum came back positive for E. Coli on Tuesday, shutting down the beach temporarily.

Framingham officials said the bacteria was only found in the water, so beach goers can still enjoy the sand and picnic areas. Saxonville and Learned Beach were also tested but results came back clean.

Waushakum beach tested with 1600 Colony Forming Units (CFU) per 100 mL, exceeding the maximum containment level of 235 CFU/100mL. City spokeswoman Kelly McFalls said finding bacteria like this is not unusual in the summer months. "Bacteria levels can fluctuate based on temperature," she said, adding that the issue is not isolated to Framingham. "It happens to cities across Massachusetts," McFalls said.

The city hopes to have the beach reopened by Friday. McFalls said another round of testing was done on Wednesday and officials are waiting on results. Testing of the water in city beaches happens once a week.