Briar Point, Portsmouth, Warren, Scituate Beaches Closed for Bacteria Counts

UPDATE: On Thursday, Aug. 22, the RIDOH reopened Briar Point Beach as bacteria levels had returned to normal. Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Warren Town Beach in Warren and Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate were also reopened

COVENTRY, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends closing Briar Point Beach in Coventry,  as well as beaches in Portsmouth, Warren and Scituate, due to high bacteria counts.

Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth, Warren Town Beach in Warren, Hope Community Service Pond in Scituate were also closed to swimming due to high bacteria. RIDOH will continue to monitor and review beach water quality through Labor Day.

The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed, and the beach’s status can be monitored, at the DOH website.

The health department routinely checks city and state beaches for high levels of bacteria in the water. Beach closures are announced with bacteria levels exceed more than 60 cfu/100 ml ((colony forming units per 100 milliliters) of Enterocci bacteria in saltwater and in freshwater.

The status of a beach may change as new data become available. The most up-to-date beach information is available through a recorded message on RIDOH’s beaches telephone line (401-222-2751). A list of closed beaches can also be accessed at https://health.ri.gov/beaches/