Massachusetts Beaches Closed Due To Unsafe Water Quality and Environmental Hazards: Know How It Impacted Upon Tourism

Published on June 30, 2025

On Sunday, June 29, 2025, nearly 20 beaches across Massachusetts were closed due to high bacteria levels and environmental concerns. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the closures, following routine water quality testing in coastal and freshwater areas. These closures were prompted by unsafe bacteria levels, with the DPH reporting several exceedances of safe swimming limits. Authorities urged residents and tourists to follow posted warnings and avoid entering the affected waters to prevent health risks.

Why Were the Beaches Closed?

The closure of nearly 20 beaches in Massachusetts on June 29 was primarily due to unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. Sources of this contamination can vary, including:

• Stormwater runoff: Rainwater washing contaminants into the water.
• Malfunctioning septic systems: When septic systems fail, they leak harmful bacteria into nearby water bodies.
• Sewer overflows: Combined and sanitary sewer overflows during heavy rain can release untreated sewage into water sources.
• Leaking sewer pipes and illegal sewer hookups: These can allow wastewater to seep into natural water bodies.
• Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers and waste from farms can enter lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
• Wildlife and pet waste: Animals and pets near beach areas can contribute to water pollution through waste.

In total, 18 beaches were closed, some of which will remain closed for extended periods due to construction or environmental issues. The list of affected locations includes:

• Andover: Pomps Pond — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Ashby: Damon Pond Beach — no specific reason provided.
• Ayer: Ayer Town Beach — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Brewster: Upper Mill Pond — due to harmful cyanobacterial bloom.
• Danvers: Sandy Beach — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Manchester: Magnolia and Tuck’s Point — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Marlborough: Henry F. Collins Beach — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Natick: Cochituate State Park Beach — due to harmful cyanobacterial bloom.
• Salem: Children’s Island (Back and Wally), Ocean Avenue — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Saugus: Peckham Pond at Camp Nihan — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Templeton: Beamans Pond (Campground and Day Use) — due to bacterial exceedance.
• West Tisbury: Seth’s Pond — due to bacterial exceedance.
• Winchester: Shannon Beach at Upper Mystic — due to bacterial exceedance.

Impact on Tourism

The closure of nearly 20 beaches, including significant destinations like Walden Pond and Cochituate State Park, likely had a considerable impact on tourism, particularly during the peak summer season. These two locations, known for their historical and recreational significance, are major draws for both locals and out-of-state visitors, making their closure particularly impactful.

1. Disruption of Popular Beach Destinations:
Walden Pond and Cochituate are iconic locations in Massachusetts, attracting tourists for swimming, picnicking, and other recreational activities. The closure of these beaches disrupted the plans of many visitors, particularly families or those seeking outdoor relaxation. Tourists who planned to visit these spots specifically for their tranquil water experiences were forced to seek alternatives, often at the last minute.

2. Decline in Beachgoer Numbers:
With these closures, fewer beachgoers would have visited the affected areas, leading to a decrease in tourism revenue for local businesses. From cafes and rental services to surf shops and parking fees, businesses that rely on beach traffic faced significant losses. As a result, the economic activity in these towns likely saw a sharp decline during the affected days.

3. Negative Perception of Water Quality:
The bacterial contamination closures may create a negative perception of the water quality at popular destinations. If tourists hear of closures related to water safety, they may hesitate to visit other beaches in the area, fearing similar issues. This could deter future visitors and affect the overall reputation of Massachusetts as a safe and desirable beach destination.

4. Increased Pressure on Other Attractions:
With the beach closures, tourists may have shifted their focus to other attractions, such as hiking trails, cultural sites, or historical landmarks. While this may have provided some temporary relief to other sectors of tourism, it likely created overcrowding at non-beach destinations. For example, visitors may have flocked to nearby parks or heritage sites, which could have resulted in longer wait times and decreased overall enjoyment for everyone.

5. Effect on Local Businesses:
Local businesses that depend on beach traffic, such as food vendors, boat rentals, and accommodations near the beaches, likely faced significant challenges. Fewer visitors meant less foot traffic, which led to reduced sales and potential financial hardship for those relying on summer tourism. The closures resulted in a ripple effect throughout the local economy, affecting employment and tourism-dependent services.

6. Public Health Concerns Impacting Future Tourism:
The bacterial contamination at several Massachusetts beaches might raise public health concerns among tourists planning future trips. Tourists may choose alternative destinations with better reputations for water safety and cleanliness, particularly if they fear further closures or issues at popular beaches. This could impact long-term tourism, as visitors may look for safer destinations in the future.

7. Shift in Tourist Preferences:
With beach access limited, tourists may have sought alternative activities that didn’t involve swimming, such as hiking, kayaking, or exploring other natural spaces. While this could prevent a total collapse of tourism, it shifted the focus away from beach activities to other recreational pursuits, potentially altering the dynamics of Massachusetts’ tourist industry.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe and Prevent Contamination

To minimize the impact of such closures and reduce the risks of bacterial contamination, residents and tourists alike can adopt responsible practices:

• Clean up after pets to prevent dog waste from polluting the water.
• Avoid feeding wildlife to reduce animal waste in beach areas.
• Dispose of trash properly and avoid littering to keep beaches clean.
• Do not swim when ill to prevent spreading bacteria.
• Use swim diapers for children to reduce contamination.
• Properly manage waste to ensure that stormwater runoff doesn’t contaminate beaches.

By following these guidelines, the public can play an essential role in maintaining beach water quality and helping to avoid future closures.

Walden Pond State Reservation Construction and Beach Closures

In addition to bacterial contamination, Walden Pond State Reservation announced the closure of its main beach for the entire summer. This closure is due to the construction of a new $6.1 million bathhouse. While the main beach remains closed, Red Cross Beach at Walden Pond is still open but without lifeguards on duty. This may further discourage visitors from swimming in that area, even though the scenic beauty of the pond remains a draw.

Conclusion

The beach closures across Massachusetts, including significant locations like Walden Pond and Cochituate State Park, had a substantial impact on tourism in the state. With the summer season being the peak tourist period, these closures likely disrupted many visitors’ plans and created financial challenges for local businesses. By addressing the water quality issues and maintaining a focus on safe beach experiences, Massachusetts can help reassure tourists and mitigate the long-term effects of the closures. Regular communication and environmental management are key to preserving the state’s reputation as a top destination for beach tourism.

Source: MassLive, Massachusetts Department of Public Health