![[CREDIT: RIDOH] The RI Department of Health has recommended closing Oakland Beach and Conimicut beach due to high bacteria levels discovered from testing in those areas.](https://warwickpost.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Oakland-Beach-and-Conimicut-Beach-closed-336x277.png)
Bacteria counts have returned to safe levels since the health department recommended closing the beach to swimming last week. At the time, both Conimicut Beach swimming and Oakland Beach swimming were off limits due to high bacteria levels in water samples. Oakland Beach was reopened three days later as bacteria levels returned to normal there.
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 beach’s status can be monitored at the DOH website.
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 at https://health.ri.gov/data/beaches/
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.
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