How is it determined if a beach should be closed or opened?
Beach closure/re-opening assessments are conducted on a daily basis as new sampling results are received. Criteria regarding acceptable levels of Enterococci and E.coli recommended by the EPA and adopted by NYS in 2004, form the basis of closure/re-opening decisions. In addition to levels of these indicator organisms, factors also considered in closure decisions include historic water quality data, the knowledge of potential sources of contamination in the beach watershed, past criteria exceedances, current and pending weather conditions, area flushing characteristics, and other recent sample results. For more information, go to Advisories/Closure Procedures.
