As of Monday morning, there were 54 beaches closed across the Bay State, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s interactive beach water quality dashboard. Nearly all of those bodies of water are closed due to harmful bacteria levels, the dashboard indicated.

Although fewer beaches are closed across Massachusetts on Thursday than compared with Wednesday, dozens are still closed to the public.

Hurricane Erin far off the Massachusetts coast will still spark ‘life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions’

Last year, the state reported the third highest rate ever of beaches testing positive for dangerous levels of bacteria.

On Tuesday, 54 beaches across the state are still closed, 37 of them due to high levels of bacteria in the water, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Several factors, including stormwater runoff, agricultural runoff, sanitary sewer overflows, leaking sewer pipes and wildlife or animal waste, can cause this.

Over half of all Massachusetts beaches had an unsafe level of fecal bacteria last year, and 47 beaches reached the danger zone at least a quarter of the time they were tested, according to a

This short but worthwhile drive around an underrated corner of the Bay State offers stops at pretty seaside towns, stunning beaches, and seafood options.

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the water around Massachusetts is warming with it and scientists said the changes are becoming increasingly visible.