Several New York City beaches are under swimming advisories because of water quality concerns, according to the New York City Department of Health.
The Health Department monitors water quality, weather conditions and other environmental hazards at more than 20 city beaches during the swimming season, which runs from June through September.
Beach conditions can change as new water samples are collected. Officials recommend checking the city's Beach Water Quality dashboard before heading to the shore.
Which NYC beaches are under advisory?
According to the New York City Department of Health, these beaches are currently under water quality advisories:
- White Cross Fishing Club in the Bronx
- Schuyler Hill Civic Association in the Bronx
- Douglaston Manor in Queens
- Trinity Danish Swimming Club in the Bronx
A water quality advisory means swimming and wading are not recommended because bacteria levels or other conditions could pose a health risk.
The beach remains open while an advisory is in effect.
How does NYC monitor beach water quality?
Health officials regularly sample and monitor city beaches throughout the swimming season to identify potential pollution and determine whether conditions are safe for swimmers.
Water quality is measured in "most probable number" per 100 milliliters, or MPN/100 mL, an estimate of the amount of bacteria in a water sample.
According to the New York State Department of Health, testing for enterococci and E. coli helps determine whether water may have been 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
- 235 E. coli per 100 mL in freshwater
What can affect beach water quality?
Health officials monitor for several conditions that could affect water quality and public health, including:
- Bacteria
- Floatable debris
- Animal waste
- Medical or infectious waste
- Toxic contaminants
- Petroleum products
- Sewage or wastewater discharges, particularly after heavy rainfall
Heavy rain can increase the risk of contamination because stormwater can carry pollutants and sewage into waterways.
What's the difference between a beach advisory and closure?
A beach advisory means bacteria levels are elevated or another condition could pose a health risk. Swimming and wading are not recommended, but the beach remains open.
A beach may be closed to swimming and wading when conditions pose a more significant public health or safety risk, including:
- Environmental conditions that create a public safety hazard
- Water quality that fails to meet health standards
- A high number of illness or injury complaints
- Hazardous amounts of debris, infectious waste, toxic contaminants or petroleum products
- Sewage or wastewater discharges that affect water quality
What about beaches elsewhere in New York?
New York state also monitors water quality at public swimming beaches outside New York City.
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation regularly tests water at state-owned swimming beaches for bacteria and other conditions that could affect public health.
Advisories and closures can change throughout the summer as new testing results become available. New Yorkers should check the latest conditions before swimming.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: These NYC-area beaches are under swimming advisories. See the list
