FRAMINGHAM - All three City of Framingham beaches are closed for swimming, until further notice due to high E. coli bacteria counts.
Signs notifying beach users of the high E. Coli at Learned Pond, Saxonville Beach, and Lake Waushakum were posted earlier tonight, July 23.
According to the state Department of Public Health's standards for bathing beaches, E. coli levels should not exceed 235 colony forming units (CFUs) per 100 milliliters.
All three City beaches water samples were above that threshold.
Swimming in waters with elevated E.coli levels raises the risk of infections for swimmers, such as ear, eye, nose, throat, and skin infections. Ingesting the water could lead to severe vomiting and diarrhea.
Young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness from contaminated waters.
Last week, Lake Waushakum beach water was closed due to high levels of cyanobacteria — also known as blue-green algae.. Pets and people should avoid contact with the water.