Over a dozen New York City beaches under swimming advisory due to high levels of bacteria found in human waste

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FILE: Fast Five: Most bacteria-polluted beaches in America

The Surfrider Foundation released its list of the top most bacteria-polluted beaches in America during 2023

NEW YORK CITY -Over a dozen New York City beaches have been put under a swimming advisory due to high levels of bacteria following days of heavy rain that slammed the city

NEW YORK CITY – JUNE 29: People cool off at Coney Island beach on June 29, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 

((Photo by Spencer Platt/ /

Of the 18 locations currently under advisory, a few are popular summerhotspots, including Coney Island, South Beach, and Midland Beach

These beaches all exceeded the maximum safety threshold for enterococci—a type of bacteria found in human and animal waste that indicates poor water quality

HEALTH ADVISORIES ISSUED FOR POPULAR FLORIDA GULF COAST BEACHES DUE TO FECAL BACTERIA IN WATER

Recently, much of the Northeast has been pounded by torrential downpours, causing severe flooding. 

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  Flash flooding swamps Farmingdale, New York, on Monday, July 6.
  (FOX Weather)

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  DEAL, NEW JERSEY, US – JULY 6: A view of flooded streets after heavy rain in Deal, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 2026. 
  ((Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu)

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  DEAL, NEW JERSEY, US – JULY 6: A view of flooded streets after heavy rain in Deal, New Jersey, on Monday, July 6, 2026. 
  ((Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu)

It is not uncommon for bacteria levels to rise after heavy rain events, which lead to increased stormwater runoff. “High levels of rainfall are associated with higher levels of bacteria,” according to the NYC Health Department

WHAT IS THE FECAL BACTERIA ENTEROCOCCI AND WHY DOES IT IMPACT BEACHES?

To track this, the New York State Department of Health requires susceptible coastal beaches to be sampled at least weekly for enterococci. 

BEACH NIGHTMARE: 2 DOZEN BEACHES IN MASSACHUSETTS CLOSE THIS WEEKEND DUE TO HIGH AMOUNTS OF FECAL BACTERIA

Scanning electron micrograph of enterococci. 

(Lisac Mark, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / FOX Weather)

These bacteria live in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, making them a clear indicator of fecal pollution. While small amounts occur naturally in soil and plants, high levels typically stem from stormwater runoff, pet or wildlife waste, leaking septics, or sewage leaks

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While enterococci bacteria themselves usually do not cause illness, their presence acts as a warning sign that more dangerous viruses or bacteria could be lurking in the water. 

FILE – NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 30: People try to stay cool at the beach at Coney Island in Brooklyn as the region experiences another heatwave on July 30, 2025 in New York City. 

((Photo by Spencer Platt/ /

Swimmers who enter contaminated waters risk developing skin, eye, ear, and respiratory infections, as well as severe stomach illnesses, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

REPORTS: BEACHGOER BITTEN BY SHARK AT JONES BEACH ON LONG ISLAND

The New York State Sanitary Code sets a maximum allowable threshold for acceptable amounts of enterococci at 104 colonies per 100 milliliters for a single water sample. 

The beach is closed. The sign reads “Notice: this beach area may not be suitable for swimming due to high levels of bacteria”

(ErikaMitchell /

When sampled on July 6, the water at Coney Island came in at 227—which is more than double the maximum health standard

Even more jarring, both Midland Beach and South Beach measured enterococci counts in the thousands

For a full list of the beaches currently under advisory, visit the official NYC Health Department Beach Water Quality Map

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