15 Maine Beaches Had Persistent ‘Fecal Bacteria’ Problem in 2024

There's a couple words that nobody wants to hear or think about when it comes to visiting a Maine beach and taking a dip in the ocean. Those two words are 'fecal bacteria'.

According to Maine Public, that's the unfortunate reality for about 50 beaches throughout coastal Maine. A report released showed that 50 different beaches throughout Maine had at least one day in 2024 where it featured unsafe levels of fecal bacteria. 15 of those beaches had a recurring, persistent problem.

What is Fecal Bacteria and Why Is It Being Found on Maine Beaches?

Fecal bacteria is pretty much exactly what you think it is. It's either human waste or animal waste that has found its way into waterways and onto beaches. Heavy rains can contribute to increased fecal bacteria flow but a problem with outdated and deteriorating sewage systems is typically a root cause.

Being exposed to fecal bacteria can cause problems for individuals. That can include skin rashes, ear and nose discomfort as well as diarrhea.

The 10 Beaches in Maine That Had the Most 'Unsafe' Days in 2024

Based on data from Environmental America, here are the 10 beaches in Maine that were found to have the most 'unsafe' days based on fecal bacteria in 2024.

• Goodies Beach (Knox County) 11 Unsafe Days
• Goochs Beach (York County) 11 Unsafe Days
• Cape Neddick Beach (York County) 9 Unsafe Days
• Laite Beach (Knox County) 8 Unsafe Days
• Riverside (York County) 8 Unsafe Days
• Little Beach (York County) 7 Unsafe Days
• Ferry Beach (Cumberland County) 7 Unsafe Days
• Willard Beach (Cumberland County) 7 Unsafe Days
• Mothers Beach (York County) 6 Unsafe Days
• Goose Rocks Beach (York County) 6 Unsafe Days

The East Coast Still Remains the Safest Beach Area in America

Despite the alarming report about fecal bacteria on Maine beaches, the same study found that the east coast remains the 'cleanest' of any region in the country.

Sadly, 54% of beaches on the east coast had at least one unsafe fecal bacteria day in 2024. 71% of beaches in the Great Lakes region, 79% of beaches on the west coast and 84% of beaches in the gulf coast had at least one day of unsafe fecal bacteria readings.