Maine has plenty of fantastic beaches.

Old Orchard Beach is the most famous, but there are countless others. Long Sands Beach, Short Sands Beach, Ogunquit Beach, Crescent Beach, Higgins Beach and Popham Beach, to name a few.

These beaches offer locals and visitors the opportunity to splash in the majestic Atlantic Ocean, play in the sand or sunbathe.

Most of our beaches are pristine, but sometimes there are problems with bacteria.

According to an article on the WCSH 6 website, recent testing by Maine Healthy Beaches found levels of bacteria that are hazardous to health at some popular beaches in Maine.

The article explains that the Maine Healthy Beaches program monitors bacteria levels at about 60 beaches in Maine and then notifies the public when bacteria levels are high.

Bacterial contamination in the water on our beaches is usually caused by feces. This contamination is usually caused by animal feces, but can also be caused by leaky, soiled diapers from children playing in the water.

Enterococci are the most common bacteria found on Maine beaches. While they are not usually a major problem, they can get into open wounds unless you swallow a lot of contaminated water. It is important to take the necessary precautions, such as showering after a dip in the ocean and making sure cuts and scrapes are covered.

For more information about enterococci bacteria, visit the National Library of Medicine website.

For up-to-date information on your favorite Maine beach, visit the Maine Healthy Beaches website.