High Bacteria Levels Reported At New London Beach

NEW LONDON, CT — A swimming advisory has been issued at Harbor Beach in New London, where high bacteria levels were reported. Swimming at the beach is discouraged until further notice.

The Ledge Light Health District issued the following statement regarding bacteria levels at area beaches:

Ledge Light Health District conducted bathing water sampling on Monday July 6, 2020 and Wednesday July 8, 2020 and all beach samples except Giants Neck Heights (jetty) in the town of East Lyme, and Green Harbor Beach in the city of New London, were below the bacterial action levels set by the State of Connecticut. The areas with elevated bacterial counts were re-sampled Wednesday July 8, 2020. Results of the re-samples showed levels below the bacterial action level at Giants Neck Heights (jetty) in East Lyme, however elevated bacterial counts persisted at Green Harbor Beach in New London. This area has been posted with a swimming advisory and swimming is discouraged until further notice.

Please be aware that rain or other contaminating events occurring before the Monday and Wednesday morning sampling can lead to elevated bacterial counts, especially in bathing areas with storm water runoff (storm drain pipes and/or extensive impervious surfaces) or low water turnover (inland bathing areas). We recommend those individuals responsible for the bathing areas take these events into consideration.

For a list of beach locations, please visit our website at: http://llhd.org/beaches or call us if you have any questions at 860-448-4882.