The creek at Good Harbor Beach was closed to swimmers Tuesday after testing Monday showed levels of enterococci bacteria above normal ranges.
The water off Good Harbor Beach is safe for swimming. Only the creek is off limits, according to city officials.
Under the state’s minimum standards for bathing beaches, no single sample of enterococci can exceed 104 colonies per 100 milliliters. Monday’s test for the creek showed 134 colonies per 100 milliliters.
The creek will remain closed until retesting shows the water is safe.
The city, using a state-certified lab, tests the water of its beaches for the presence of enterococci bacteria, an indicator organism that can sicken swimmers, causing urinary tract infections, meningitis, abdominal infections and other health effects, according to the Gloucester Health Department.
Ethan Forman may be contacted at 978-675-2714, or at eforman@northofboston.com.