As dozens of Massachusetts beaches remain closed due to high levels of bacteria, the US Environmental Protection Agency is now stepping in to help.
Federal officials are expected to announce details on a grant they will award to the Department of Public Health on Friday. It’s called the EPA Beach Grant, and the money will be used to help the Department of Public Health monitor water quality more efficiently.
The exact amount of money for the grant is expected to be revealed during Friday’s announcement.
Excess bacteria has closed dozens of freshwater and saltwater beaches across the state. The bacteria is generally the result of recent storms, which caused sewage overflows and polluting runoff.
Bathers have been warned that swimming or drinking water from these closed beaches could cause serious illness.
The EPA will award the money Friday morning.
