SUFFOLK COUNTY — The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued a bathing advisory for 60 beaches following heavy rainfall, warning that stormwater runoff may temporarily push bacteria levels above New York State standards.
The Sept. 1 advisory covers beaches across multiple parts of the county, including areas around Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington Harbor and Bay, Centerport Harbor, Northport Harbor and Bay, the Port Jefferson Harbor complex, Stony Brook Harbor, the northern shoreline of the Great South Bay, Sag Harbor and several Long Island Sound beaches affected by nearby stormwater discharges.
County health officials say the affected beaches are in areas heavily influenced by runoff from surrounding watersheds and tributaries. Many are also located in enclosed embayments where limited tidal flushing can allow elevated bacteria levels to persist longer after storms.
Residents Urged to Avoid Water Contact
The county recommends suspending swimming and other water contact in affected areas until the water has been flushed by two successive tidal cycles — at least 24 hours after rainfall ends.
The rainfall-related advisory was expected to be lifted Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 a.m., provided conditions improved as expected.
Separately, three beaches remained closed because of high bacteria levels:
- Huntington Beach Community Association
- Valley Grove Beach in Eatons Neck
- Tides Beach in Rocky Point
Beaches Across Suffolk Affected
The advisory spans several towns, including Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip and Smithtown, as well as Havens Beach in Sag Harbor.
Among the listed beaches are Tanner Park in Copiague, Corey Beach in Blue Point, Stony Brook Beach, Centerport Beach, Crab Meadow Beach in Northport, West Islip Beach, Bayport Beach, Sayville Marina Park Beach and Long Beach in Nissequogue.
Health officials also cautioned residents that the same guidance should be considered for other surface waters affected by stormwater runoff, even if those locations are not officially designated bathing beaches.
The county specifically urges people with open wounds, recent tattoos or recent surgery to avoid contact with saltwater and brackish waters such as bays, inlets and river mouths.
Residents can check current beach conditions through Suffolk County’s bathing beach program or call the county’s beach hotline at 631-852-5822.