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June 17, 2008

Bacteria count closes Somerset beach to swimming

SOMERSET, Mass. -- The town beach is closed to swimming at least until Thursday after tests today revealed a high bacteria count, caused by overnight rains.

"Normally after a heavy rain, it gets closed" and that part of the state had strong rains and thunderstorms overnight, Recreation Director Frank W. Dorsey said. The pollution usually comes from fertilizer runoff from Dighton farms further up the Taunton River.

Pierce Beach itself and the playground will still be open.

"You can sunbathe, you just cannot go in the water," Playground and Recreation Commission Chairman Richard Silvia said.

Six Rhode Island beaches were closed to swimming today as well.

-- Journal staff writer C. Eugene Emery Jr.

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 4:50 PM | Permalink

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