Suffolk warns against swimming at 63 beaches due to water quality after storm
A "no wwimming" sign posted at Tanner Park Beach in Copiague on Sunday. Credit: Newsday/James Carbone
Long Island health authorities issued advisories against swimming at 83 beaches Sunday after heavy rainfall on Saturday increased the risk of impaired water quality.
The Suffolk County Health Department warned against bathing at 63 beaches along the North Shore embayments, including Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Harbor and Bay, Centerport Harbor, Northport Harbor and Bay, Port Jefferson Harbor Complex, and Stony Brook Harbor.
The advisory also includes beaches on the north shore of the Great South Bay, Long Island Sound, and Sag Harbor.
These are in "areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds or adjacent tributaries" or in enclosed bays with "limited tidal flushing," the health department announced Sunday morning.
Nassau County also issued an advisory against swimming at 20 beaches, 16 on the North Shore and four on the South. The advisory will be in effect until Monday morning at 7, the Nassau health department said, unless testing shows elevated bacteria levels.
After heavy downpours, health officials generally recommend swimmers wait 24 hours, after two tidal cycles have a chance to wash out any bacteria that washed into the coastal waters.
To check for the most recent water quality status a specific coastal beaches in New York State, use this guide.
The Suffolk advisory extends until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
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