Sewage Overflows Pollute Massachusetts Beaches, Putting Public Health at Risk

As of August 2025, Massachusetts has been grappling with a troubling trend of polluted beaches across the state. A recent analysis of state data reveals that the number of beaches failing bacterial tests has been steadily increasing in recent years, posing a serious threat to public health and leading to the closure of popular swimming spots.

The primary culprit behind this issue is the state's aging sewer infrastructure. Many older cities in Massachusetts still have combined sewer systems, which carry both sewage and storm water in the same pipes. During heavy rainfalls, these systems can become overwhelmed, leading to the direct release of raw or partially treated sewage into nearby waterways. This has resulted in a spike in bacteria levels at beaches, with four sites failing the majority of tests conducted between 2020 and 2024.

Exacerbating the problem is the impact of climate change. As the climate warms, water temperatures are also rising, which in turn increases the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Additionally, the severity of rainstorms has intensified, leading to more frequent and intense flooding that further strains the outdated sewer systems.

In response to this growing crisis, the Massachusetts legislature has introduced several bills this year aimed at addressing the issue of combined sewer overflows and improving wastewater management. However, the state still has a long way to go in addressing this systemic infrastructure failure and protecting its valuable coastal resources.