The Rhode Island Department of Health recommended closing the swimming area at Spouting Rock Beach Association on Tuesday due to high bacteria counts that pose health risks to swimmers.
The closure affects only water activities at the Newport beach facility, which remains open to the public for other uses. Health officials will continue monitoring water quality through Labor Day weekend, when beach conditions may change based on new test results.
The department measures concentrations of Enterococcus bacteria in beach water samples, with closures triggered when levels exceed 60 colony forming units per 100 milliliters in both saltwater and freshwater locations.
Spouting Rock Beach Association previously faced a two-day closure from Aug. 14-16 for similar contamination issues. The facility joins several other Rhode Island beaches that have experienced closures this summer, including nearby Gooseberry Beach and Easton’s Beach in Newport.
Current beach conditions are available through the health department’s recorded information line at 401-222-2751. Updated closure information can also be found on the department’s website.
The health department has monitored beach water quality statewide since 2000, with data showing periodic closures at various facilities throughout each swimming season. Officials emphasize that beach facilities themselves remain accessible during water quality advisories, with only swimming and water contact activities restricted.
