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LOCK HAVEN -- The beach is back in business!
The opening of the Lock Haven City Beach, located along the West Branch of the Susquehanna River at the foot of Vesper Street, was originally planned for Sunday, June 18, but had to be delayed due to bacteria levels in the water.
Testing for public beaches is required weekly in the state of Pennsylvania, according to Kasey Campbell, the City's Director of Community Life.
"On June 14, we received the results of that week's test, which indicated bacteria levels that exceeded the levels regulated by the State. On Friday, June 23, we received a notice from the State Department of Health that we were allowed to reopen the beach again, as the testing earlier in the week indicated that the bacteria levels in the water had dropped significantly under the regulated levels," said Campbell.
Bacteria naturally occurs in rivers, lakes and streams, but the state Department of Environmental Protection closely regulates the levels at which swimming would be harmful to the public.
A change in bacteria levels for naturally occurring streams such as the Susquehanna is not uncommon. Anytime it rains, the flow of groundwater opens up the possibility of surface matter getting into the waterway. The levels of bacteria in the water, thankfully, have returned to a far better condition now and officials have received the go-ahead to open the beach to the public.
"The high amount of bacteria found the week of June 14 was likely caused by the rain and increased turbidity within the area at the time the water was tested. The State and City have determined there is no risk to public health at this time, and it is safe to swim again," said Campbell.
According to Campbell, lifeguards will be posted at the beach Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. If a lifeguard is not there, residents are advised to swim at their own risk but children should never be left unattended at the beach.
The city beach will remain open until around mid-August.