Unhealthy
bacteria levels
By
Will Collette
We
seem to be having a tough summer season for contaminated water. On and off
closures of popular beaches like Scarborough certainly disappoint tourists and
day-trippers.
Shell-fishing
bans at cause problems for our growing aquaculture industry and endanger
private citizens who enjoy coming home with a bucket of fresh clams.
The
new, second closure for Watchaug Pond raises questions about what we are doing
to our water. It may also give further grounds for opposition to DEM’s
potential re-opening of the long-closed North Campground in Burlingame.
Here
is the state Health Department’s announcement about Burlingame.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) recommends the re-opening of Scarborough Beach South for swimming because bacteria counts have returned to safe levels.
RIDOH recommends the closure of Burlingame Picnic Area on Watchaug Pond in Charlestown for swimming due to high bacteria levels.
Camp Watchaug in Charlestown and Briar Point Beach in Coventry remain closed for swimming.
RIDOH
will continue to monitor the water quality regularly to assure 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 at www.health.ri.gov.
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 at www.health.ri.gov.
