The Chautauqua County Department of Health and Human Services (CCDHHS) monitors permitted bathing beaches for the specific indicator bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) and harmful algal blooms (HABs) to determine compliance with Subpart 6-2, Section 6-2.15 of the New York Sanitary Code. Water is determined to be unsafe based on indicator bacteria standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and on the presence of harmful algal blooms, following NYSDOH guidance. To best protect the public from possible disease exposure, beaches are closed when the water exceeds safety standards.
Beach Closures
Beach closures occur when laboratory test results indicate samples have exceeded the EPA water-quality standards. When the indicator bacteria levels are elevated, the potential risk to human health due to poor water quality increases, thus triggering a beach closure. Operators are required to post signs at the beach to alert the public when poor water quality conditions exist. The New York State Department of Health maintains a map of Great Lakes beaches with current and historical E. coli results listed.
Beginning in 2015, Wright Park and Point Gratiot East beach status is determined using predictive models and field observations. CCDHHS will continue testing the beach water for E. coli while implementing the models. An interactive map, with daily updates and information on predictive modeling in New York State, is available at Great Lakes NowCast Status (usgs.gov).
Updates
The Chautauqua County site is updated Monday through Friday during the beach season. However, occasional weekend sampling may occur. We therefore encourage the public to check the signs at beaches for the most recent beach status. Additionally, it is important to recognize that beaches may close for reasons other than poor water quality (i.e. staffing problems, weather, etc.). A satisfactory listing does not guarantee that a beach will be open for swimming.
Beach Statuses
Check the Chautauqua County Blue-green Algae page for press releases and updates. The water quality status for permitted public beaches, based on the most recent E. coli counts, is listed below.
Table Updated: September 9, 2022
| SAMPLE DATE | BEACH WATER QUALITY | COMMENTS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Lake Erie Beaches |
The NYS Department of Health map lists water quality status and sample results. | ||
| Town of Hanover | Closed for 2022 season. | ||
| Sunset Bay / Cabana Sam's |
Closed for 2022 season. |
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| Wright Park East |
|
Closed for 2022 season. | |
| Point Gratiot East |
Closed for 2022 season. |
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| Lake Erie State Park | Not open in summer 2022. Past Bacteria Results are available on the NYS Parks website. | ||
Chautauqua Lake BeachesBlue-green algal blooms have been recorded in 2022, learn how to recognize blooms and stay safe at Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms (ny.gov). |
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| Long Point State Park |
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Bacteria Results and blue-green algae closure notifications are available on the NYS Parks website. |
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| Mayville Lakeside Park | Closed for 2022 season. | ||
| Chautauqua Institution - Heinz | Not open in 2022 due to staff limitations. | ||
| Chautauqua Institution - Children's | Closed for the 2022 season. | ||
| Chautauqua Institution - College / Pier | Closed for the 2022 season. | ||
| Lakewood Village Beach | Not open in 2022 due to staff limitations. | ||
Cassadaga Lakes Beaches |
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| Cassadaga Beach | Closed for the 2022 season. | ||
| Lily Dale Beach | Not open in 2022 due to staff limitations. | ||
Additional Information and Quick Links
Sanitary Survey of Lake Erie Beaches in Chautauqua County
NYSDOH - Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms
NYSDEC - NYHABS mapping system
