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Labor Day beach closures sweep US amid fecal contamination alerts
Beaches all across the United States are closed on Labor Day weekend due to unsafe bacteria levels.
Over the holiday weekend, many people looking to cool off from the summer heat were disappointed as some beaches were closed or authorities advised against swimming because of unsafe levels of bacteria.
The advisories and closures popped up across the East Coast, from Florida to Maine, along inland streams and rivers, and were present throughout the California coast. The culprit: Fecal contamination detected in the water, presenting a risk of illness.
For decades, beaches across the country have seen days, weeks and months of closures because of elevated levels of fecal bacteria, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A recent report from the conservation group Environment America found that last year, 61% of beaches it tested nationwide had one day where bacteria levels were potentially unsafe.
But what is causing the heightened contamination levels?
Experts told USA TODAY that stormwater runoff and sewage overflows were among the most likely causes, both of which are exacerbated by heavy rains, flooding and warming temperatures. Other contributing factors include animal and agricultural waste and failing septic systems.
Research shows that bacteria warnings are also most prevalent in the summer, when most people are flocking to the beach and water temperatures are at their highest.
“These beach closures are not uncommon during warm seasons,” said Antarpreet Jutla, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Florida, adding that while bacteria is a prevalent issue, most beaches are safe for the majority of the year. “Ninety-percent of all days are safe for beaches in the U.S., on both the East Coast and West Coast.”
What bacteria is being detected in the water?
Experts say most agencies testing beaches and inland waterways for contaminants are looking for “fecal bacteria indicators” such as E. coli and enterococci bacteria, among others.
“In other words, they are testing for the presence of poop – that’s what we’re talking about here,” said John Rumpler, the clean water director at the nonprofit organization Environment America. He said the tests occur at beaches and fresh water sources like streams, lakes and ponds, especially those popular among the public.
Other sources that lead to beach closures and advisories are harmful algal blooms, according to the National Ocean Service. The USA TODAY Network – New England reported on Aug. 29 that more than 20 beaches in Vermont were under bacteria advisories due to high cyanobacteria levels heading into Labor Day weekend.
Ingestion or general contact with these bacteria could cause a variety of illnesses and nasty symptoms, such as gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, respiratory disease and ear and eye infections, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Heavy rains and leaky sewage pipes
The causes of fecal bacteria in coastal and inland waters vary depending on the region, but in each case it’s worsened by heavy rains and extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, experts said.
“Heavy rain will absolutely exacerbate sewage overflows and stormwater runoff,” Rumpler said.
Across the country, stormwater runoff can carry oil, grease, bacteria, dirt and waste into nearby waterways. More rural parts of the country can also see overflows from factory farms, leading to large amounts of animal waste and other pollutants ending up in ponds, lakes and rivers.
Sanitary sewers, which are used in most of the country, can cause problems if they are undermaintained, cracked or become blocked. The EPA estimates these systems overflow as many as 75,000 times each year.
“There are billions of gallons of sewage overflows in many communities across the country,” Rumpler said.
Along with heavy rain, sprawling development and large building projects are “further destroying nature’s ability to absorb storm water,” he added.
How to stay safe
Jutla and Rumpler advised that people check their state’s website for current beach closures and swimming advisories, though they noted that there’s no standard signage to look out for, and not all beaches are monitored frequently.
People should avoid swimming in murky lakes, ponds and streams. Health officials also said it’s important to avoid swimming after heavy rainfall or flooding, or if the water is an unusual color.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention said those with health problems or taking medicines that affect their ability to fight germs should check with their healthcare provider before swimming in the ocean or other natural bodies of water.
Contributing: Thao Nguyen
Cross Hotels & Resorts has signed a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Geonet Developments International for ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection, a high-style beachfront destination set to open in 2028 in the heart of Seminyak, Bali.
This landmark signing marks another key milestone in Cross Hotels & Resorts’ mission to become APAC’s leading alternative to global hotel operators, while highlighting the brand’s growing expertise in managing lifestyle experiences.
Situated along Seminyak’s legendary coastline, ELLE Resort & Beach Club is poised to deliver a refined yet vibrant stay, blending the sophistication of the ELLE brand with Bali’s iconic beach energy. The resort will feature 170 ultra-luxury hotel rooms and suites, each designed to reflect modern, effortless glamour. At its heart, the signature beach club will serve as a cultural and social hub, offering music, fashion, mixology, and cuisine in a setting that invites day-to-night celebration.
Harry Thaliwal, CEO of Cross Hotels & Resorts, commented: “This is more than a signing. It’s a celebration of bold partnerships and vision-led hospitality. With Geonet’s investment strength and our lifestyle brand expertise, we are creating an iconic resort and beach club that captures the spirit of ELLE. As we expand across Asia Pacific, we remain focused on delivering owner value, guest delight, and long-term impact. This collaboration embodies our ambition to lead as the region’s most exciting alternative to traditional hotel chains.”
Chad Egan, CEO & Founder of Geonet, added: “We are so excited to bring ELLE into this collaboration — it marks our first project together with the globally iconic brand. This is also our second collaboration with Cross Hotels & Resorts, which reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality assets. Backed by the global reach of Flight Centre Travel Group, Cross brings the operational focus and brand energy we were looking for. Together, we’re creating a bold new beachfront destination that speaks to style, connection, and commercial performance.”
Evan Burns, Country Manager – Indonesia for Cross Hotels & Resorts, said: “ELLE Resort & Beach Club by Cross Collection is a fresh, magnetic addition to Seminyak, delivering the vibrancy of a modern beach club lifestyle with the comfort of a curated resort stay. We’re confident this property will set new benchmarks in Bali’s hospitality scene.”
With this signing, Cross Hotels & Resorts further strengthens its footprint in Indonesia, supported by an expanding portfolio of lifestyle-driven properties. Cross Hotels & Resorts operates six distinctive brands – Cross, Cross Vibe, Away, Lumen, Cross Collection, and Kaura – across four countries: Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Japan.
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