Amityville Village Beach in the Town of Babylon, Eagle Dock Community Beach in the Town of Huntington, and Camp Baiting Hollow Beach (by the Long Island Sound) in the Town of Riverhead have closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria. Tanner Park Beach in the Town of Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma in the Town of Islip, remain closed as lab results indicate the continuation of excess bacteria.
Bacteria can be introduced to recreational waters from a variety of sources, including stormwater 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 reopen when further testing reveals that the bacteria have subsided to acceptable levels. Benjamins Beach in Islip has reopened.
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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