A Mamaroneck beach and a New Rochelle beach are closed until further notice after samples had elevated bacteria levels, the Westchester County Department of Health said Friday.
Closed are New Rochelle’s Hudson Park East Beach and Mamaroneck’s Harbor Island Beach, a news release said.
June 16 and June 18 samples that were tested “exceeded the upper value of the density of bacteria” under code.
2 Mohegan Lake beaches remain closed due to algae bloom
Two other county-operated beaches in northern Westchester’s Mohegan Lake must stay closed due to continued presence of a harmful algae bloom in the swim areas.
The closed beaches are Mohegan Colony Association and Mohegan Beach Park District.
What are harmful algae blooms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, harmful blooms are caused by rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria in water.
“Going in or near water with a harmful algal bloom can make you and your animals sick. Stay out if water looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad,” the CDC said. Some blooms make toxins that can sicken people and animals.
Blooms can resemble foam, scum, mats, or paint on the water surface. They can grow beneath water as well, so some blooms can be difficult to spot.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Some Westchester beaches closed due to bacteria growth. See where, what to know
Reporting by Michael P. McKinney, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
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