East Coast beaches from Maine to Florida are facing ‘fecal contamination’ warnings for Labor Day weekend, as high levels of bacteria in the water pose a risk of illness. Water quality advisories have led to closures at several popular beach destinations, including Keyes Memorial Beach in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and Benjamin’s Beach on Long Island. Environment America’s report found that at these levels of fecal bacteria, swimmers face a 32 in 1,000 risk of illness. Environmental experts attribute much of the contamination to aging sewer systems. Despite the warnings, many beachgoers remain undeterred, with some expressing confidence that natural ocean currents will mitigate any potential risks. The issue has also been exacerbated by recent storms like Hurricane Erin, which brought heavy rainfall and increased runoff into coastal areas.