The Rhode Island Department of Health recommends closing seven beaches because of high bacteria levels at those beaches. RIDOH is recommending closures at:
– Easton’s Beach in Newport – Scarborough Beach – South in Narragansett (Scarborough Beach – North remains open) – North Kingstown Town Beach – Barrington Town Beach – Saunderstown Yacht Club – Camp Grosvenor in Saunderstown – Bonnet Shores in Narragansett
Beach closures in Rhode Island are closely tied to precipitation. Storm water runoff from roads, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces transports contamination (including bacteria from animal waste) to fresh and salt-water beaches.
RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality regularly to ensure safe bathing throughout the summer season. The status of a beach may change on a daily basis. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751), or at www.health.ri.gov/data/beaches
