Beaches Closed Again Because of Bacteria Levels in Huntington by Health Department

Crab Meadow Beach Huntington, NY

Due to the heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 29 Huntington beaches. The advisory is based on the potential for the presence of bacteria at levels that exceed New York State standards.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hour period) after the cessation of rainfall.  This advisory will be lifted on the morning of Thursday, August 13, 2015, unless beach water samples reveal elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit Suffolk County Department of Health Services beach monitoring webpage.