High Bacteria Levels At 2 Southeastern CT Beaches

EAST LYME, CT — The Ledge Light Health District has found that two area beaches have high bacteria levels. Swimming advisories have been posted at Giant Neck Heights in East Lyme and Millstone Point Beach in Waterford.

Below is a statement from the health district.

Ledge Light Health District conducted bathing water sampling on Monday June 22, 2020 and all beach samples except Giants Neck Heights (jetty) in the town of East Lyme, Point O' Woods in the town of Old Lyme, and Millstone Point Beach in the town of Waterford, were below the bacterial action levels set by the State of Connecticut. The areas with elevated bacterial counts were re-sampled Wednesday June 24, 2020.

Results of the re-samples showed levels below the bacterial action level at Point O' Woods in Old Lyme, however elevated bacterial counts persisted at Giants Neck Heights (jetty) in East Lyme and Millstone Point Beach in Waterford. These two areas have been posted with swimming advisories and were sampled again this morning, June 26, 2020. Results of the second re-samples will be forwarded as soon as they become available. Swimming advisories will remain in effect until such time.

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.