Swimming conditions at Boston Harbor beaches are better than they have been in decades, as borne out by frequent testing. This summer, like last year, daily water quality data for key Boston Harbor beaches--Wollaston Beach, Tenean Beach, Carson Beach, and Constitution Beach–will be gathered by the Metropolitan District Commission with help from MWRA. This way, we can know the beaches are safe and encourage swimming as many days as possible. The MDC will also conduct weekly water quality tests at all of the beaches along Boston Harbor plus Revere, Nahant and Nantasket.

After water quality test results are processed at MWRA, test results are promptly communicated to MDC lifeguards, who flag the beaches. A Blue flag indicates good swimming; a Red flag indicates potential health risks (associated with elevated bacteria counts that exceed water quality standards).

Once at the beach, also visit the MDC kiosks for further information.