Havens Beach Closed Due to Possible Bacteria After Heavy Rain

SAG HARBOR, NY — Due to heavy rainfall on Friday, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 62 beaches — including Havens Beach in Sag Harbor.

Havens Beach is the only beach on the East End closed due to the heavy rain Friday.

The advisory is based on the potential bacteria at levels that could exceed New York State standards in these areas.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing, the county said.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles —at least a 24 hour period — after the rain stops.

The advisory will be lifted Saturday at 5 p.m., unless sampling conducted by the department finds elevated bacterial numbers persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.

For a full list of closed beaches, click here.