NEW YORK CITY - Over a dozen New York City beaches have been put under a swimming advisory due to high levels of bacteria following days of heavy rain that slammed the city.
Of the 18 locations currently under advisory, a few are popular summer hotspots, including Coney Island, South Beach, and Midland Beach.
These beaches all exceeded the maximum safety threshold for enterococci—a type of bacteria found in human and animal waste that indicates poor water quality.
HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR POPULAR FLORIDA GULF COAST BEACHES DUE TO FECAL BACTERIA IN WATER
Recently, much of the Northeast has been pounded by torrential downpours, causing severe flooding.
It is not uncommon for bacteria levels to rise after heavy rain events, which lead to increased stormwater runoff. "High levels of rainfall are associated with higher levels of bacteria," according to the NYC Health Department.
WHAT IS THE FECAL BACTERIA ENTEROCOCCI AND WHY DOES IT IMPACT BEACHES?
To track this, the New York State Department of Health requires susceptible coastal beaches to be sampled at least weekly for enterococci.
These bacteria live in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, making them a clear indicator of fecal pollution. While small amounts occur naturally in soil and plants, high levels typically stem from stormwater runoff, pet or wildlife waste, leaking septics, or sewage leaks.
While enterococci bacteria themselves usually do not cause illness, their presence acts as a warning sign that more dangerous viruses or bacteria could be lurking in the water.
Swimmers who enter contaminated waters risk developing skin, eye, ear, and respiratory infections, as well as severe stomach illnesses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
REPORTS: BEACHGOER BITTEN BY SHARK AT JONES BEACH ON LONG ISLAND
The New York State Sanitary Code sets a maximum allowable threshold for acceptable amounts of enterococci at 104 colonies per 100 milliliters for a single water sample.
When sampled on July 6, the water at Coney Island came in at 227—which is more than double the maximum health standard.
Even more jarring, both Midland Beach and South Beach measured enterococci counts in the thousands.
For a full list of the beaches currently under advisory, visit the official NYC Health Department Beach Water Quality Map.
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