BOSTON (AP) — State environmental officials have closed 10 South Shore beaches to swimmers after testing showed elevated bacteria counts in the water due to recent heavy rains.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Conservation and Recreation says the beaches in Quincy, Duxbury, Hull and Marshfield will be tested again today.
In Duxbury, Residents Beach had 30 times the recommended level of bacteria, according to a Save the Harbor/ Save the Bay spokesman.
Beaches are tested on a regular basis during warm weather months to ensure the water is safe for swimming. High levels of bacteria in the water are not uncommon after heavy rain.
More than an inch of rainfall was recorded in the past 10 days.
Bacteria in the water can cause upset stomachs, diarrhea, rashes, or earaches.
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