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Beach Water Quality Information

Sun rising over a beach

The Essex Board of Health samples and tests the bathing waters in our community throughout the bathing season.

Sampling starts before Memorial Day weekend and continues until Labor Day weekend.

Sampling results for Essex beaches are posted weekly during the season, as available. Centennial Grove Beach is tested weekly; both Clammer's Beach and Front Beach have had Sanitary Surveys performed; based on the results of these surveys, as well as consistently low bacterial readings, both the Essex Board of Health and the MA Department of Public Health have granted variances which allow a sampling reduction to once every four weeks at these sites.

More information on state-wide marine beach testing can be found by clicking on the link below, "MA Current Beach Closures."

Please note, the Essex Board of Health does not test for cyanobacteria, although if cyanobacteria is observed at Centennial Grove Beach, the beach will be closed to swimming in accordance with guidance from the MA Department of Public Health. Information on cyanobacteria, including a current list of advisories, can be found HERE.