Ipswich health officials have closed the towns beaches after a malfunction at the towns waste water treatment plant caused possible contamination, officials said.

The closure came just before 1 p.m. yesterday and affects Pavilion, Crane, Steep Hill, Little Neck and Clark beaches. Officials said that the towns waste water treatment plant experienced a mechanical malfunction on Monday and did not resume discharging until Wednesday, when it is believed it exceeded permitted levels. The beaches and clam flats were closed as a precaution.

Test results are expected around 5 p.m. today and will determine whether the water has been contaminated. If the levels are found to be within the states guidelines, the beaches and flats will be reopened, said health agent Colleen Fermon.

Business owners are questioning whether the closures will keep customers away.

We do get a big beach crowd. Im sure it will affect our business if they do remain closed, said Doug Woodman, owner and president of Woodmans of Essex.

He said the clam shack has lucked out so far this year as there have been no shortages of Ipswich clams brought on by Red Tide, as there have been in recent years.

Ipswich is a great source of clams and this time of year the clam prices are always high anyway. I expect to see the price jump again, he said.

Town officials said they expect the test results to show bacterial levels within a safe range, according to a press release.

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Ipswich shuts down town beaches