North Beach at Lake Willoughby in Westmore has been closed to swimmers after recent testing found high concentrations of E. coli bacteria, the town announced on June 21.
The beach will remain closed until further notice. Town police noted that storm runoff after heavy rain can carry animal waste into the water, creating conditions that support E. coli and harmful cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
E. coli bacteria, found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, serve as an indicator of potential fecal contamination. Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to illness. Symptoms of exposure to harmful strains include vomiting and diarrhea, though most cases are mild, according to the CDC.
Beaches are typically reopened after follow-up testing confirms bacteria levels have fallen back to acceptable ranges.
NEK will be looking into the test results and any follow-up testing schedule.
Originally reported by Newport Dispatch.
Photo: Gaspar Zaldo via Pexels. Photo is illustrative and not from the scene.
Log in as a subscriber to comment, or become a member.