After this week’s heavy rains produced higher than average runoff rates and possible discharge of untreated sewage, beaches around the State remain closed to swimming today due to contamination threats. Today and tomorrow’s high heat will only exacerbate the problem as bacteria may have a better environment to grow before it can dissipate. Westport’s beaches and rivers are all affected by this closure, which is particularly affecting local businesses who rely on paddleboard and kayak rentals in the community as school begins in just over a week.

In 2019, two separate sewage leaks in Westport closed beaches in early and mid August while repairs could be made to aging infrastructure. This week’s precautionary closures are not due to a malfunction of the sewer system, which can be overloaded when rainwater floods the local pipes and treatment system, while chemicals from lawns and roadways are washed into the waterways.

Westport Weston Health District 08/23:

Director of Health Mark Cooper is reminding residents that Beaches are closed to swimming  because the DEEP (State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) and Department  of Public Health are advising against swimming and/or other water contact recreation until after  Tropical Storm Henri has passed and any contaminated water has had time to dissipate. The  state is recommending at least 72 before contact with potentially contaminate waters.  

DEEP and DPH Advise Against Swimming or Other Water Contact  Recreation Over Next 72 Hours Due to Tropical Storm Henri's  Impact 

(HARTFORD)— Given the significant rainfall that occurred (and is still expected) due  to Tropical Storm Henri, many areas across the state have experienced discharges of  untreated sewage. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection  (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising against  direct contact with surface water in areas in close proximity to drainage pipes statewide,  particularly in urban areas such as Bridgeport, Hartford, Norwalk, Norwich, and the  greater New Haven area over the next 72 hours in Connecticut's streams and  rivers. Residents are advised not to swim, fish, or utilize paddle craft in these areas.