Here's How Many Beaches Are Closed To Swimming In MA

Thirty-three beaches are closed in Massachusetts on Tuesday, according to the state's Interactive Beach Water Quality Dashboard.

At the end of June and into the first week of July, over 40 beaches were closed due to a sewer line rupture. The Merrimack River contamination made beaches in Newburyport, Salisbury and Ipswich off limits to swimming.

The sewer rupture originated in Haverhill and caused about eight million gallons of untreated wastewater to flow into the Merrimack River per day.

Read more: More North Shore Beaches Close Amid Scorching Heat Wave

The number of closures has dipped some this week, though some of the beaches remain closed due to the contamination.

State officials monitor bacteria levels across over 1,100 public and semi-public beaches. Bacteria levels can rise due to heavy rainfall, algae blooms and other factors, which can result in closures.

Before visiting a local swimming area, you'll want to check the state's Interactive Water Quality Dashboard to ensure that it's open and safe for use.

Tuesday's weather may not be ideal for a beach visit, but that will change later this week with highs in the 90s on Thursday and Friday, according to the National Weather Service.

Beaches in the following communities are closed Tuesday, with some communities having multiple closures:

• Ashby
• Boston
• Brewster
• Dartmouth
• Holden
• Lynn
• Manchester
• Nantucket
• Newburyport
• Pembroke
• Provincetown
• Quincy
• Salem
• Swampscott
• Wareham
• Webster
• Winchester
• Winthrop

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