RYE — Town Administrator Matthew Scruton reports that an advisory is being issued for Wallis Beach, also known as Pirates Cove, from Wallis Street Extension south to Concord Point due to high bacteria counts in the water.
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Sciences notified the town Friday that routine testing conducted on Thursday returned results showing fecal bacteria levels above acceptable limits.
The Town of Rye is cooperating fully with NHDES recommendations. The Town has notified lifeguards and posted the necessary signage indicating to residents and visitors that bacteria levels are elevated.
Residents and visitors are advised to refrain from swimming and water recreation in areas with elevated levels of bacteria as there is a public health risk in doing so.
Bacteria can enter beach water through various sources, including stormwater runoff, malfunctioning septic systems, sewer overflows, wildlife and pet waste, and agricultural runoff. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to gastrointestinal, respiratory, dermatological, eye, and ear symptoms, and in some cases, more serious illnesses. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
Frequent rain, such as has occurred this season, can lead to beach advisories.
Additional testing will be conducted on Monday, with results from those tests available on Tuesday.
This is an ongoing situation. Updates will be made as information becomes available.