Conimicut, Scarborough Beaches Closed for Bacteria

UPDATE Saturday, Sept. 3: The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends reopening Scarborough State Beach – South in Narragansett for swimming because bacteria counts reported by the RIDOH State Health Laboratories have returned to safe levels. 

PROVIDENCE, RI — RIDOH recommends closing swimming at Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick, Scarborough State Beach-South in Narragansett, Surfer’s Rock Area at Second Beach in Middletown, and Sandy Point Beach in Portsmouth for high bacteria levels.

According to the RI Department of Health website, beach closures are based on the concentration of Enterocci bacteria in beach water samples is measured in cfu/100ml (colony forming units per 100 milliliters). Beach closures are based on results of more than 60 cfu/100 ml in salt water and in fresh water.

When a beach closure is recommended, water quality analysis is conducted by RIDOH’s laboratory or a state-certified laboratory. The Department noted on its website that officials will continue to monitor the water quality and recommend reopening the beach when the water is again safe for swimming.  The status of a beach may change daily.

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 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) and online.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.