Nine New York City-area beaches are operating under a swimming advisory due to water quality concerns, according to the New York City Department of Health. The health department monitors water quality, weather conditions, and environmental hazards at over 20 city beaches throughout the swimming season, which lasts from June to September. Among the locations with the highest bacteria levels are two private swimming beaches in the Bronx.
Monitored Beaches and Current Advisories in New York City
Health officials sample and monitor each city beach once or twice a week during the swimming season to identify possible pollution sources and to provide information about each beach’s conditions. Water quality is measured in most probable number per 100 milliliters, which provides an estimate of how much bacteria is present in a water sample. According to the New York State Department of Health, testing for enterococci and E. coli bacteria helps determine whether water may be contaminated by fecal pollution.
State standards set the maximum allowable concentration for a single sample at 104 enterococci per 100 mL in marine water, 61 enterococci per 100 mL in freshwater, and 235 E. coli per 100 mL in freshwater. Authorities report that the nine New York City beaches currently operating under a water quality advisory include American Turner, Danish American Beach Club, the Schuyler Hill Civic Association beach in the Throgs Neck section, The Strand, Trinity Danish swimming club, and White Cross Fishing Club, all of which are private beach clubs in the Bronx. Additional locations under advisory include Douglaston Manor and the Whitestone Booster Civic Association in Queens, alongside Sea Gate 42nd Street, a private beach in Brooklyn.
Contaminants and the Distinction Between Advisories and Closures
Water samples are tested for various contaminants and conditions that can affect public health, including bacteria, floatable debris, animal waste, medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products, and sewage or wastewater discharges, particularly after heavy rainfall. A beach advisory means bacteria levels are elevated and swimming or wading is not recommended, but the beach remains open.
By contrast, a beach may be closed to swimming and wading when environmental conditions like severe weather create a public safety risk, water quality fails to meet health standards, a high number of illnesses or injury complaints are reported, hazardous amounts of debris or waste are present, or sewage discharges affect water quality.
Did You Know? Water quality is measured in “most probable number” per 100 milliliters (MPN/100 mL) to estimate the amount of bacteria present in a water sample, with state standards establishing strict maximum allowable concentrations for both marine and freshwater environments.
Regional Monitoring Across New York State Parks and Westchester County
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation also monitors water quality at the state’s 67 public swimming beaches. Water is tested regularly during the season for bacteria and other conditions affecting public health, with closures and advisories posted online throughout the summer. Currently, five New York state park swimming beaches are listed as closed or under an advisory due to water quality issues, according to the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
In Westchester County, several locations have been closed since Wednesday, July 22, because of associated rainfall risks to water quality. The affected Westchester locations include Mamaroneck sites such as Harbor Island, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club, and Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club, alongside Rye, and New Rochelle locations including Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Club, Greentree Club, and Surf Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a beach advisory and a beach closure?
A beach advisory means that bacteria levels are elevated and swimming or wading is not recommended, though the beach remains open. A beach closure means swimming and wading are prohibited due to severe weather, failure to meet health standards, high illness complaints, hazardous waste, or sewage discharges.
How often do health officials test beach water quality?
New York City health officials sample and monitor each city beach once or twice a week during the swimming season, which runs from June to September. State park beaches are also tested regularly throughout the season.
What bacteria are tested to determine water contamination?
Testing focuses on enterococci and E. coli bacteria to help determine whether the water may be contaminated by fecal pollution, measured in most probable number per 100 milliliters.
How do local water quality advisories impact your summer recreation plans?
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