2 Salem Beaches Still Closed To Swimming With High Bacteria Levels

SALEM, MA — Two Salem beaches closed to swimming because of high levels of bacteria last week remained closed as of Tuesday.

The Willow Avenue beach and Pioneer Beach — which is immediately adjacent to Pioneer Village at Forest River Park — were both closed as of Friday morning.

Salem Health Agent David Greenbaum told Patch on Tuesday afternoon that the beaches were tested again on Tuesday with updated results expected on Wednesday.

He said that the recent bouts of heavy rain have contributed to the closures.

"The runoff from the rain definitely plays a role in the water quality," Greenbaum said.

The testing is for indicator organisms that are used to predict the presence of pathogens associated with 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.)