City Officials Reopen New Bedford’s East Beach to Swimming

NEW BEDFORD — East Beach has been reopened to swimming after it was shut down by City health and parks officials on Monday.

The New Bedford Department of Parks, Recreation & Beaches reopened East Beach Wednesday afternoon. The beach had been closed for portions of Tuesday and Wednesday due to a reported oil sheen in the area of East Beach.

The New Bedford Fire Department along with other municipal, state, and federal authorities responded to the report, finding the leak to be diesel fuel. The City says there is no fuel or oil detectable in the area of East Beach as of Wednesday.

The state and federal government require the monitoring of water quality at public beaches during the bathing season. The New Bedford Health Department monitors the quality at New Bedford’s public beaches throughout the summer.

City health officials will continue to monitor the water quality at all municipal beaches for any significant changes.