Bacteria levels at Cowell Beach have receded to levels safe enough to reopen the beach, but several Santa Cruz beaches remain closed this week, county officials announced.

The County of Santa Cruz Environmental Health Services issued a water quality advisory report that says the bacteria levels at Cowell Beach, west of the Santa Cruz Wharf at Neary Lagoon, are at safe levels and officials have removed warning signs there.

Beaches that are closed because of elevated bacteria levels include Santa Cruz Main Beach, between lifeguard towers two and three, Rio del Mar Beach at Aptos Creek, New Brighton Beach at Porter Gulch Creek, Capitola Beach at Soquel Creek mouth, Twin Lakes Beach at Schwan Lagoon, and the San Lorenzo River mouth.

Swimming in these locations puts people at risk of coming in contact with disease-causing organisms, and may be hazardous to their health, according to county officials.

The report is based on water samples taken during the week of May 12.

Some Beaches Reopened

Santa Cruz Main Beach, between lifeguard towers two and three, have been reopened after receiving results of a test on water samples taken Wednesday.

The beach had been posted closed based on water sample tests taken earlier in the week, but the latest test indicated bacteria levels were within what is considered a safe body contact standard, according to County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency.

Other beaches that remain closed include Rio del Mar Beach at Aptos Creek, New Brighton Beach at Porter Gulch Creek, Capitola Beach at Soquel Creek mouth, Twin Lakes Beach at Schwan Lagoon, and the San Lorenzo River mouth.

Swimming in these locations puts people at risk of coming in contact with disease-causing organisms, and may be hazardous to their health, according to county officials.