High bacteria counts close South Shore beaches

Seven beaches in Quincy, including Wollaston, and one each in Hull, Marshfield and Duxbury have been closed for health reasons.

The residents' beach in Duxbury was shut down on Thursday for the first time in nine years of testing when bacteria counts soared to 38 times the maximum recommended for swimming, our news partners The Patriot Ledger reported.

Delano Beach in Quincy was 60 times the limit, many times higher than its worst reading ever. Orchard and Rhoda beaches were slightly over the limit.

Wollaston Beach was closed for the second time since testing began last month. Although bacteria limits are within safe limits, swimming is prohibited as a precaution.

Urban beaches are often closed after significant rain because of contamination washing into the water.

The A Street beach on the ocean side of Hull was four times the limit.

Re-testing is in progress and results are expected on Friday.

Green Harbor Beach in Marshfield was also closed on Wednesday, but its bacteria levels were not available.

Testing has not yet begun on beaches in Hingham, Scituate and Kingston. Plymouth Beach is the only one in Plymouth that is being tested.

Go here to read the rest:

High bacteria counts close South Shore beaches