The Chautauqua County Health Department (CCHD) monitors permitted bathing beaches for water quality concerns including elevated indicator bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli (E. coli), and harmful algal blooms. If CCHD identifies water quality concerns the beach will be closed until tests show the reason for the closure no longer exits. Please note beach operators may need to close beaches for reasons other than water quality concerns, such as staffing issues or severe weather concerns.
Beach Closures Due to Water Quality Concerns
Beaches will be closed by CCHD when water sample results show indicator bacteria levels above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water-quality standards. High bacteria levels in beach water suggest a possible health risk, especially if the water is ingested or a swimmer has open wounds that allow pathogens to enter the body.
When CCHD issues a beach closure for water quality concerns beach operators are required to post signs 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 and Point Gratiot East beach status is determined using predictive models, field observations, and sampling results. CCHD continues testing these beaches for E. coli while using the models to make sure the models are making accurate predictions.
Beach Status
The chart below is updated with new results as results are available during the beach season. Beaches are sampled weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the likely changes in water quality for a specific beach. A satisfactory listing does not guarantee that a beach will be open for swimming since beaches may close for reasons other than poor water quality, such as staffing problems, weather, etc.
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: May 31, 2023
| 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 | 5/30/2023 | Satisfactory. | |
| Sunset Bay / Cabana Sam's | 5/30/2023 |
Satisfactory. |
|
| Wright Park East |
|
Closed for 2022 season. | |
| Point Gratiot East |
Closed for 2022 season. |
|
|
| Lake Erie State Park | Not open in summer 2023. Past Bacteria Results are available on the NYS Parks website. | ||
Chautauqua Lake BeachesLearn how to recognize blue-green algal blooms and stay safe at Harmful Blue-Green Algae Blooms (ny.gov). |
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| Long Point State Park |
|
Bacteria Results and blue-green algae closure notifications are available on the NYS Parks website. |
|
| 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
