2 Westchester Beaches Ordered Closed Until Further Notice

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The bacteriological results of Tuesday and Thursday's beach water samples have closed some of the most popular beaches in the Hudson Valley.

Certain Sound Shore beaches in New Rochelle and Mamaroneck have been closed immediately until further notice, due to bacteriological testing on two different days this week, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.

The county's Beach Surveillance Program is designed to protect the public from illnesses associated with swimming in waters that are contaminated.

Due to high bacterial counts, the following beaches are closed:

• Mamaroneck: Harbor Island & Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
• New Rochelle: Hudson Park East & West Beaches

Heavy rainfall in the watershed of the Mamaroneck River impacts the water quality in Mamaroneck Harbor. Similarly, Echo Bay in New Rochelle is affected which impacts Hudson Park Beach and the Echo Bay Yacht Club.

Decisions to close beaches are based on the number of inches of rain in the watershed. Heavy rains and discharges from stormwater drains may result in high levels of harmful bacteria that may cause illness.