At least two Maine beaches are closed due to elevated bacteria levels and the state Department of Environmental Protection is advising the public not to swim at nine others.
Tassel Top Park in Raymond and Chickawaukie Lake in Rockland are closed due to elevated levels of E. coli.
Nine other beaches that span from Riverside Beach in Ogunquit to Heritage Park in Belfast have elevated levels of fecal bacteria.
The department recommends avoiding contact with the water to avoid the risk of contracting a gastrointestinal illness.
According to the DEP, elevated fecal bacteria can be caused by rainfall. It can also be caused by malfunctioning septic systems and sewage treatment plants, agricultural runoff, animal and boat waste, and poor sanitary practices at the beach.
Updates can be found at the Maine Healthy Beaches website.
This story appears through a media partnership with Maine Public.