Save The River’s Beach Watch Water Quality program tests the waters of nine popular swimming locations on the Upper St. Lawrence River. Water Quality is determined by the number of E. coli colonies per 100 milliliter (mL) sample. If a sample has a concentration of over 235 colonies, it is considered unhealthy for humans by the New York State Health Department.
For the fourth week in a row, Sawmill Bay, Clayton, failed to meet safe levels of E. coli. A sample taken on Monday, July 28 at 3 feet out from the shoreline came back at 1046.2 E. coli colonies. A sample taken at 6 feet out from the shoreline was within safe limits at 198.9.
Seven other locations were within the acceptable limit of E. coli from samples taken on July 28. They include Wilson’s Beach, Cape Vincent; Potters Beach, Grindstone; Bathtub Bay, Picton Island; Round Island, Clayton; the T. I. Park Cove, Wellesley Island; the Lake of the Isles, Wellesley Island; and Scenic View Park, Alexandria Bay. Frink Park, Clayton was unable to be tested this week.
When a site fails, Save The River notifies the affected municipality or homeowners association. Beach Watch volunteers and Save The River do not have the authority to close beaches or swimming areas. The results are used to inform any possible stakeholders of potential health risks associated with water quality and to inform local and state authorities if a location fails.
The presence of E. coli signals that water is likely contaminated with feces, increasing your risk of exposure to pathogens that can cause illness. This risk is particularly high for young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. While common symptoms include gastrointestinal discomfort, skin rashes, and eye and ear infections, some potent strains can lead to severe and even life-threatening complications. Although most illnesses from swimming in contaminated water are mild and don’t require medical attention, you should consult your physician if your symptoms are severe or persist.
In the interest of public health, Save The River asks residents to be cautious swimming in any location on the River 24 hours after a heavy rainfall event. Studies conducted on nearby urban river environments conclude that due to increased runoff, E. coli levels can become significantly elevated up to six times the normal level after storms with a total precipitation over 2 millimeters. (Urban Impacts on River Shoreline Microbiological Pollution, Dutka & Marsalek, 1993).
For the last 26 years, Save The River has sampled popular swimming locations every week throughout the summer. This year they will test every week from July 7 to August 27. The results of each test are posted on Save The Rivers website at www.savetheriver.org, Save The River social media, the Save The River storefront located at 409 Riverside Drive, and on the Swim Guide mobile app and website at theswimguide.org.
1. Wilson’s Beach
2. Sawmill Bay
3. Potters Beach
4. Frink Park
5. Picton Island
6. Round Island
7. The T. I. Park Cove
8. The Lake of the Isles
9. Scenic View Park