DCR & Nahant

The Department of Conservation Resources ("DCR"), a state body in Massachusetts, owns and manages Nahant Long Beach, Lynn Shore Beach King's Beach on the Lynn Side south of Stacey's Brook. Their responsibility lies in testing the beach water quality (daily at Stacey's brook and along the Lynn side of King's Beach), warning the public of unsanitary conditions, and posting signage and flags to alert the public.

DCR also has a "Stewardship Council" that meets on a monthly basis. Ted Dooley of Swampscott is currently the representative for Essex County. You are encouraged to attend in-person or virtually and make a public comment at those meetings. Schedule for all meetings is here.

BEACH WATER QUALITY IN NAHANT

According to the Massachusetts Water Quality website, Nahant Beach north of the Bathhouse tested unsafe 55% of the 2023 swimming season. 2024 saw its worst year on record for Nahant Long Beach; as of May 2026, DCR has made no effort to locate the sources of pollution along Nahant Long Beach, nor have they warned the public about this beach.

Save King's Beach circulated a petition about Nahant Long Beach and Lynn Shore Beach in October 2024, garnering nearlyy 800 signatures. After months of advocating to DCR to do daily testing at Nahant, SKB engaged with Northeastern University to undertake daily testing in an independent study. Data from that study can be found here.

NAHANT

Nahant's local government has stayed mostly quiet on this issue. Most of what they engage on is outrage about the possible outfall extension. We would welcome Nahant's select board members to engage in conversation and action to protect its local beaches.