As Mainers return to local beaches this summer, a new report claims that more work is needed to ensure that all waters are safe for swimming.  In 2022, 36 Maine beaches were potentially unsafe for swimmming on at least one day of testing according to “Safe for Swimming – ” Enviconment Maine Research & Policy  Center’s latest analysis of bacteria testing.  The new research comes in as states decide how will federal and state funding be spent on reducing sewage overflows and runoff pollution.

“Even as Mainers are back to enjoying the fresh sea breeze and splash of waves at the beach, pollution is still plaguing too many of the places where we swim,” said John Rumpler, Clean Water Director at Environment Maine Research & Policy Center and a co-author of the report.  “Now is the time to fix our water infrastructure and stop the flow of pathegons to our beaches.”

To assess beach safety, the group examined whether fecal indicator bacteria levels exceeded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most protective “Beach Action Value,” which is associated with an estimated illness rate of 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers.  Fourteen Maine beaches exceeded this safety threshold on one-quarter of days tested last year, with two Goose Rocks Beach locations and Gooch’s Beach in York County, having bacteria levels on 39 – 50% of the days tested.

Other Maine beaches faced potentially unsafe for swimming over 30% of the days tested in 2022 were Ferry Beach (Scarborough), Little Beach, Laite Beach, Long Sands Beach – North, and Pemaquid Beach

Polluted runoff and failing sewer systems are common sources of contamination that can put swimmers’ health at risk and lead authorities to close beaches or issue health advisories.  Scientists estimate 57 million instances of people getting sick each year at the US from swiwmmig in polluted water.  Those illnesses can include nausea, diarrhea, ear infections and rashes.

The report recommends major investments to stop sewage overflow and runoff pollution.