Beaches in Newport, Middletown and Narragansett Closed to Swimming

In Rhode Island, heavy rain brings runoff. And that brings animal waste, lawn fertilizer and other chemicals into Narragansett Bay.

And that means once again, a few beaches are closed to swimming after water quality tests show elevated bacteria levels.

The state Department of Health is recommending Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett, Easton’s Beach in Newport and Peabody’s Beach in Middletown be closed to swimming.

The announcement came Tuesday afternoon and a day after the state saw between 1 and 2 inches of rain.

The state health department will continue to monitor water quality levels and will announce when the water is safe for swimming.

For up-to-date information about swimming at Rhode Island beaches, go to the HEALTH website at www.health.ri.gov/beaches or for recorded information about RI bathing beaches call (401) 222-2751.