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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 immediately (the same day) 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 from bacteria in the water increases, thus triggering a beach closure. When beach water has been identified as unsafe signs are posted at the beach to alert the public. 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 West and Point Gratiot East beach status is determined using predictive models. 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 http://ny.water.usgs.gov/maps/nowcast/.
Updates
This 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 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.
Report Updated: August 5, 2020
| 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 | 8/4/2020 | Satisfactory | |
| Sunset Bay / Cabana Sam's | 8/4/2020 |
Satisfactory |
|
| Wright Park East | 8/5/2020 | Satisfactory. Daily predictive model results and observational data are used to determine daily beach status. | |
| Point Gratiot East | 8/5/2020 |
Unsatisfactory. Daily predictive model results and observational data are used to determine daily beach status. |
See Nowcast website for past predictions / results. |
| Lake Erie State Park | Not opening in summer 2020. Past Bacteria Results are available on the NYS Parks website. | ||
Chautauqua Lake Beaches |
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| Long Point State Park | 8/3/2020 |
Satisfactory. Past Bacteria Results are available on the NYS Parks website. Contact the park for possible beach closures related to blue-green algae. |
|
| Mayville Lakeside Park | 8/3/2020 | Satisfactory. Closed for the 2020 season, no lifeguards available. | |
| Chautauqua Institution - Heinz | Not opening in summer 2020. | ||
| Chautauqua Institution - Children's | 8/3/2020 | Satisfactory | |
| Chautauqua Institution - College / Pier | Not opening in summer 2020. | ||
| Chautauqua Institution - University | Not opening in summer 2020. | ||
| Lakewood Village Beach | Not opening in summer 2020. Localized blue-green algae blooms are reported in the south basin of Chautauqua Lake. |
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Cassadaga Lakes Beaches |
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| Cassadaga Beach | 8/5/2020 | Satisfactory | |
| Lily Dale Beach | 8/5/2020 | Satisfactory | |
Additional Information and Quick Links
Sanitary Survey of Lake Erie Beaches in Chautauqua County
NYSDOH - Harmful Blue-green Algae Blooms
NYSDEC - NYHABS mapping system