The water at Orchard Beach was off limits Thursday due to sewage and stormwater runoff.

Health officials say the closure was important for those with weaker immune systems, such as the elderly and children. They say polluted water can cause vomiting, diarrhea and cold-like symptoms.

Some beachgoers tell News 12 that they were more upset about paying for parking only to find out the water was closed than about the health warning itself. They also say there were no signs in place alerting them to the conditions.

Officials say the water advisory was only in effect for Orchard Beach. Other public beaches were fully open for swimming.

Anyone that would like information about the status of their local beach can text BEACH to 877-877.