Hot, Humid Days Contribute to Beach Closings

Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Aug. 9-15
Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine Aug. 9-15
August 8, 2018
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine Aug. 16-22
Out and About for the Bangor Lakes Region of Maine Aug. 16-22
August 16, 2018

Hot, Humid Days Contribute to Beach Closings

Hot, Humid Days Contribute to Beach Closings

News Center Maine (WCSH/WLBZ)photo

Summer has brought us scorching temperatures and stifling humidity; it has brought us “perfect” beach days. People have been flocking to the many Maine lakefront beaches to find relief from the heat and humidity. Unfortunately, upon arrival some people are finding these beaches closed. A beach in Bridgton, one in Oakland and one in Gray have been closed due to high E. coli levels over the course of this summer. Another beach in Bridgton was closed earlier in the season due to the Norovirus. Needless to say, these recent beach closings have drawn attention to the issue of water cleanliness as well as uncovered various safety concerns. Although two of the beaches have reopened at this time, it is important to consider the ways in which we can protect our families and what, if anything, we can do to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Woods Pond Beach is located off of Route 117 in Bridgton and was closed by the town on July 6. A total of 97 people contacted the CDC complaining of illness, mostly via abdominal symptoms, after swimming in the pond. Water testing for E. coli was conducted on July 9 from the beach and in the public restroom–the lake water did not exceed acceptable E. coli levels, but the bathroom sinks did, and are to be removed and replaced with sanitizer dispensers. After analyzing reported symptoms and testing stool samples, the CDC was able to confirm that norovirus had contaminated the water. Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that causes diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. If an infected person vomits or has diarrhea in the water, the virus is easily passed along to other beachgoers. Children are more likely to become infected than adults because they tend to swim underwater and sometimes swallow the water. The beach was reopened on July 10 after the water was deemed safe from contaminants.
Just weeks after Woods Pond Beach reopened, Highland Lake Beach in downtown Bridgton was closed due to testing positive for high E. coli levels. Although town officials are unable to confirm the exact cause, they believe that low water levels and water foul may play a role in the excess bacteria in the lake. While some strains of E. coli do no cause harm to humans, others can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and respiratory illness, so it is important that people do not put themselves at risk by swimming when the bacteria levels are high.
This week saw two more beach closings. One was at Messalonskee Lake in Oakland and the other at Crystal Lake in Gray. Both beaches were tested for E. coli levels and came back with high readings. Flocks of geese have been present at both beaches, and the combination of heat and goose droppings can create an incubation point for bacteria. Many communities struggle with how best to deal with the water fowl that share the public beaches. Most towns have volunteers or employees who rake up the goose droppings.
Geese are not the only ones to blame for our waters becoming contaminated with bacteria. Shallow waters and lots of people can create an environment for bacteria to multiply. Especially during a long stretch of hot and humid weather. Improperly disposing of diapers or the lack of swim diapers on small children can be a contributing factor. People who visit the beach while sick can bring their germs into the water in ways they may not be aware of. Other causes can include boats releasing sewage into the water, a malfunctioning septic system in the vicinity, and storm water runoff.
What can you do to help keep our waters clean? Be sure to dispose of your refuse properly. Waterfowl and other animals are attracted by trash. Do not feed the birds or wildlife on or near the beach. It only encourages them to keep returning. Be sure if you bring your furry friend to the beach that you clean up after him and dispose of any waste properly. Boatowners can educate themselves for best practices on dealing with sewage and where their local pumpout stations are located. Lakefront homeowners should maintain and routinely pump out their septic systems and maintain appropriate vegetative buffers along waterways.
If you are a visitor to one of our many beaches, be sure you are not coming down with an illness. If you are feeling under the weather, it is best to find ways to cool off at home. Try to avoid swallowing the water while swimming and playing in the water. Always practice good hygiene when using the bathroom facilities. Parents should make sure that children are offered frequent bathroom breaks and diapers are checked often.
As a lakefront home homeowner, you may be concerned about the bacteria levels at your personal beach. You can have your water tested by contacting the Northeast Laboratory at www.nelabservices.com. They will send you a water testing kit and results are usually available within 24-48 hours.

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