WAREHAM, Mass. — Four public beaches in Wareham have been temporarily closed after routine water testing found bacteria levels above Massachusetts safety standards.
Town officials announced the precautionary closures to protect public health while additional water samples are collected. Swimming is prohibited at the affected beaches until follow-up testing confirms the water is safe.
Elevated bacteria levels are commonly linked to recent rainfall, stormwater runoff, wildlife, or failing septic systems. Exposure to contaminated water can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation, and other health issues. Health officials are urging residents and visitors to obey all posted beach closure signs and wait until the beaches are officially reopened.
Officials will continue monitoring water quality and will reopen the beaches once testing shows bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits
Briarwood Beach, Forbes Beach, Standish Shores Beach and Wareham Lake Shores Beach have all closed. It is not clear how long the beaches will be shuttered.
