The beach closure issued for Friendship
Drive Beach and Beech Road Beach, both in the Town of Brookhaven, has been
lifted, as results of recent samples collected show the water quality to be
within acceptable levels.
The Following Beaches Remain Closed
Tanner
Park Beach in the Town of Babylon, Tides Beach, Shirley Beach, Woodhull Landing
POA Beach, Terraces on the Sound Beach, and Soundview Beach Association all in
the Town of Brookhaven, Valley Grove Beach and Crab Meadow Beach in the Town of
Huntington, Reeves Beach and Camp DeWolfe Beach in the Town of Riverhead, and Lake
Ronkonkoma- Islip Town Beach remain closed due to the finding of bacteria at
levels that exceed acceptable criteria.
Bacteria
can be introduced to recreational waters from a variety of sources, including
storm water runoff, resident waterfowl populations, failing or poorly operating
septic systems, sewage spills, boats and marinas, floatable debris, and from
bathers themselves.
According to Suffolk
County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in
bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as
infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Beaches will reopen
when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable
levels.
For
the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at
852-5822 or contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during
normal business hours. http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/BeachMonitoringProgram.aspx
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