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Long Island Sound Beach Report Highlights Decline in Water Quality Before Memorial Day

Save the Sound's 2025 report shows fewer top-rated beaches, rising wet-weather failures, and calls for infrastructure upgrades to combat stormwater pollution.

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Escaping the heat at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, July 24, 2022, the sixth consecutive day temperatures in parts of Connecticut reached into the 90s. Photo by Cloe Poisson/Special to the Courant
Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven.

Overview

  • The 2025 Long Island Sound Beach Report reveals a drop in beaches earning A or B grades, down to 72% from 78% in 2023.
  • Wet-weather sample failures increased significantly, especially in the western region, with rates rising from 14.9% to 20.8% over three years.
  • Stormwater runoff, intensified by climate change, and aging wastewater infrastructure are identified as major threats to beach water quality.
  • Westbrook Town Beach remains a standout performer with a 10-year streak of A+ grades and no failed samples since 2015.
  • Save the Sound urges municipalities to invest in green infrastructure and modernize sewage systems to address escalating water pollution risks.