How long are beaches closed if high levels of bacteria are detected?
In the event a sample has a bacteria level above the standard listed above a resample of the bathing water will be conducted as soon as possible, and the beach will be reopened when test results show acceptable bacteria levels. The tides and currents in open waters act to disperse contaminants. Generally the level of the indicator bacteria is reduced within twenty-four hours after the conclusion of the rainfall, typically after one full tide cycle. Unfortunately the laboratory analysis of a sample does not provide instantaneous results. There is a 24-hour incubation period for all samples. Therefore it is common for a closure to last for a day or two to ensure public health and safety.
