Latest news with #swimmingbeaches

Yahoo

5 NY beaches closed, 2 under advisory due to E. coli, algal blooms: See the list

Five swimming beaches at state parks in New York are closed and two more are operating under an advisory status, according to the state Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Four of the beaches are closed due to harmful algal bloom and one was closed due to a high level of in the water, according to the latest water quality report. The swimming beaches operating under advisory after testing high for according to the report. The New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation tracks it all and updates the public on its website. New York has 67 state-owned swimming beaches and all are tested regularly to determine the public's risk of coming in contact with waterborne diseases. The beaches are tested at least once a week for bacterial levels of impaired water quality, according to state officials. Test results are available roughly 24 hours after samples are taken and results are posted daily at state park offices, online and at the beach. Also of note, some state parks have closed their swimming beaches for the season, including Wellesley Island State Park in Jefferson County and Fillmore Glen State Park in Cayuga County. NY beaches closed for swimming on Lake Ontario in Monroe County Closed due to exceedance Last tested Aug. 13 Note: Hamlin Beach State Park has two swimming beaches currently operating. One (H3A) is closed due to and one (H3) is open and available for swimming. on Lake Chautauqua in Chautauqua County Closed due to harmful algal bloom Last tested Aug. 12 on Oneida Lake in Oneida County Closed due to harmful algal bloom Last tested Aug. 12 (Lake Tiorati) in Rockland County Closed due to harmful algal bloom Last tested Aug. 12 (Red House) in Cattaraugus County The park's Red House swimming beach is closed due to harmful algal bloom. The Quaker Lake beach remains open. Last tested Aug. 11 Which NY beaches have advisory status? Evangola State Park on Lake Erie in Chautauqua County High levels of Last tested Aug. 13 in Genesee County High levels of Last tested Aug. 13 What sparks a beach closure in NY state parks? State officials close beaches within state parks when there is a known or anticipated risk to public health or safety. Whenever this occurs, signs are posted and the public notified 18 to 24 hours after an elevated concentration of bacteria occurs. The causes of elevated bacteria levels are not always clear. They may be related to land uses in the watershed; stormwater runoff; naturally occurring sand or soil bacteria; or other factors. Closure decisions are based upon monitoring results in combination with other factors that influence water quality, including water conditions including sewage overflows, cold temperatures, or high waves; environmental conditions, including thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds; and historical data. What bacteria does NY test for? Freshwater samples are analyzed for E. coli and ocean samples are tested for enterococcus. A freshwater sample result equal to or above 235 colonies/100 ml exceeds the state standard. This applies to all regions of the Empire state except Long Island. An ocean sample result equal to or above 104 enterococci colonies/100 ml exceeds the state standard. This applies only to the Long Island region. How does NY classify beach closures after testing? Beach closures are placed in one of two categories: Category 1 beaches: These beaches can remain open with an advisory. Water at the beach will be resampled and if the sample exceeds the state standard a second time, the beach will close. Category 2 beaches: The beach is automatically closed until a satisfactory sample is received. What are the most common reasons for beach closures in NY? Common reasons for beach closures include: Exceedance – Bacterial indicator levels exceed the state standard Predicted exceedance: Model – A model based on environmental conditions predicts that water quality is poor Predicted exceedance: Rainfall – Because of recent heavy rain, it is predicted that water quality is poor High waves – Waves or rough conditions Turbidity – Cloudy water that could prevent lifeguards from being able to see swimmers No lifeguard – When lifeguards are not available, beaches are closed Closed for end of season – Beach closed for the season Cold water – Temperatures below 50°F This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: NY beaches closed due to E. coli, algal blooms: See the list Solve the daily Crossword