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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new report from Environment Massachusetts shows more than 200 beaches in the state tested positive for potentially unsafe water quality on at least one day in 2020.
Last year, 556 beaches were looked at for the annual report. "At 264 of those beaches, testing found potentially unsafe water on at least one day, and 29 beaches were potentially unsafe on at least 25% of the days they were tested," the report said.
King's Beach in Lynn tested positive for potentially unsafe water on 64 days last year, which was more than any other beach in the state. The beach with the second highest amount was Tenean Beach in Boston for 29 potentially unsafe days.
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Environment Massachusetts state director Ben Hellerstein said during a press conference on Monday that it is time for a major upgrade to old water and sewer systems that too often leave the state’s waterways dirty. He said things like heavy rains can overwhelm the system.
There is federal stimulus and potentially infrastructure on the way to Massachusetts. But, Hellerstein said there is more than can be done right now.
"The good news is, though, that in many cases we can actually make significant improvements in water quality and significant reductions in the frequency in sewage overflow events with relatively small investments, particularly in the area of green infrastructures," Hellerstein said.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal (@Karynregal) reports
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