Save The River has received the test results from Week 9 (August 30) for the Beach Watch Monitoring program. One sample site, Wilson Beach in Cape Vincent, “failed” this week. All other beaches sampled “passed.”
Week 9 Results (8-30-10)
Wilson Beach: FAILED
Potter’s Beach: PASS
Frink Dock: PASS
Round Island: PASS
Lake of the Isles: PASS
Scenic View Park: PASS
Why Did Wilson Beach “Fail” This Week?
Save The River believes Wilson Beach is experiencing a scenario where unsafe bacteria levels are linked to the presence of thick mats of Cladophora, a native type of green algae that harbors harmful bacteria. This algae is often found washed onto the shore of this site. To read more about this issue and how other Lakes within the Great Lakes are affected by this visit our blog.
About Beach Watch
The program provides a snapshot of water quality at popular swimming areas which are not monitored by other groups during peak recreational swimming season. Our goal is to ascertain whether there is a health risk to swimmers from Enterococci in the water. Enterococci is a bacteria found in warm-blooded animals, including humans, which is closely linked to human health concerns.
There are many potential sources for Enterococci bacteria in swimming areas, including: improper sewage disposal, agricultural run-off, animal waste and various other environmental factors.
Although the results cannot be used to conclusively say that a location is safe for swimming, Save The River advises beach goers to practice safe swimming habits to reduce the likelihood of acquiring a bacteria related illness, such as rashes or gastrointestinal illness. A few simple steps should be followed: choose swimming sites with good water circulation, never swallow swimming water and wash hands after swimming and before eating. If you are very young, very old or have a compromised immune system you are more susceptible to acquiring bacteria related illnesses.
Questions?
If you have any questions, concerns or would like more information on our Beach Watch program, please stop by the office or call, 315-686-2010.