Facts About Flesh-Eating Bacteria and Local Water Quality
In April 2026, Dr. Chris Golber of Stony Brook University School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences gave his annual State of the Bays address. Though briefly discussed, a mention of flesh-eating bacteria in the waters of eastern Long Island became the top headline. Below, we address the facts:
For the average beachgoer, the risk of contracting a flesh-eating bacterial infection is very low. According to Dr. Gobler, it is estimated to be a one in 10 million chance that a swimmer would contract and die from flesh-eating bacteria on eastern Long Island.
Shellfish are also extremely well regulated on Long Island, making the danger of eating a bacteria-infected oyster or clam quite low.
When there is a concern of this type of bacteria, especially after a big rain event as it does best in less salty water and warm weather, avoid going in the water for a few days if you are immunocompromised or take precautions like covering open wounds, etc.
While this information became the center of a media frenzy, there was no actual new news on these bacteria and there is no current crisis.
While the flesh-eating bacteria news was blown out of proportion in the media, there are other concerns surrounding local water quality.
Harmful algal blooms occur when increased nitrogen from failing, and traditional septic systems, cesspools, and fertilizers enter the groundwater aquifer. These nutrients can then flow into our surface waters and fuel an excess growth of algae.
Some algal blooms can be detrimental to water quality and/or harmful to human health. Certain types of harmful algae can produce toxins, and when large quantities of algae die, the oxygen levels in the water drop, causing problems for marine life.
But there is good news! There are things we can all do to have a positive impact on our waters:
Replace outdated and failing septic systems. Thanks to the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Fund—a comprehensive wastewater strategy that the Group spent more than a decade advocating for to ensure long-term funding for homeowners and businesses—there is now money available to upgrade septic systems. These modernized systems effectively treat nitrogen, preventing it from entering our local bays and harbors.
Reduce or eliminate fertilizer and pesticide use on your property to reduce the amount of nitrogen and harmful chemicals that enter our bays and harbors.
Prevent or reduce runoff on your property by avoiding excess clearing on your property—or restoring cleared land on your property, protecting wetlands, and establishing rain gardens. Planting native plants is also beneficial as they are well-suited to our local environment and frequently require less water and fertilizer than non-native plants. This is all especially useful if you live near a bay, harbor, or creek.
Pick up after your pet! This is perhaps the easiest way to prevent certain bacteria from entering our waters. Bring a bag with you on all walks, pick up the waste, and properly dispose of it.
By staying informed and doing your part, we can all help protect our water.
