02-07-2025
Several Westchester beaches closed after heavy rainfall causes bacterial contamination
The Westchester County Health Department has preemptively closed several beaches Wednesday, July 2, after heavy rainfall Tuesday evening may have caused bacteria contamination in the water.
The health department said 0.72 inches of rainfall in the last 24 hours may have caused bacterial contamination in the swimming water due to road runoff into drainage outfalls near the following locations:
Hudson Park Beach
Davenport Beach Club
Greentree Country Club
Surf Club on the Sound
Harbor Island Park
Beach Point Club
Orienta Beach Club
Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club
Coveleigh Club
The health department says these beaches can reopen Thursday, July 3, if bacteria levels meet health code standards.
The source for an increase in bacteria is not always clear, but potential causes include:
Stormwater runoff
Land use within the watershed
Naturally occurring bacteria in sand or soil
Heavy rainfall or environmental changes like strong winds or high waves
Summer 2025: Have fun, stay safe this season. Check out guide to summer safety
Freshwater samples: Tested for E. coli: A result of 235 colonies/100 mL or higher exceeds the state standard
Ocean samples: Tested for enterococci: A result of 104 colonies/100 mL or higher exceeds the state standard
Contributing: USA TODAY New York Connect Team's Victoria E. Freile
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Westchester NY closes several beaches due to possible bacteria
