Two Westchester beaches closed indefinitely after heavy rains bring high bacteria levels
Two Westchester County beaches are closed after heavy rains contaminated their waters.
Chris Ericson, deputy commissioner for the Westchester County Department of Health said Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson and Philipse Manor Beach in Sleepy Hollow tested for high bacteria on June 24 after heavy storms during the week swept contaminated water into the shores.
He said naturally occurring bacteria in local beaches, especially on the Hudson River, can typically indicate a higher-than-normal percentage that may not be safe for swimmers after periods of heavy rains and winds.
"High bacteria counts in beaches typically come when we have a lot of rain and we get runoff just from the land, parking lots, drainage and things like that," he said. "But also, when you have some winds that can churn up the water a little bit, it creates a bit more surf.”
Ericson said the county Department of Health tests its beaches once a week and will retest more frequently if positive samples are indicated. He said additional samples are expected Friday afternoon to determine if the two beaches will reopen for the weekend.
The Department of Health said the beaches will be closed for the weekend and until further notice if the bacteria remains present in the water.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Two Westchester NY beaches closed indefinitely for high bacteria
