NewsRadio920 WHJJ and the Associated Press
WARWICK, R.I. (AP) — State health officials are urging swimmers to avoid Conimicut Point Beach in Warwick because of high bacteria counts in the water.
The Rhode Island Department of Health said Wednesday it recommends the beach be closed to swimming. It will re-open when water quality tests show bacteria levels have returned to acceptable limits.
The state monitors water quality at beaches during the summer to ensure safe conditions for swimming.
Rhode Island saw a sharp spike, to 119 days, when beaches were closed last year. In 2012, beaches were closed for 54 days.
Closings often increase after heavy rainfall because more contaminants, including untreated stormwater or sewage, find their way into the water.