Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: September 03 2013

The Suffolk Department of Health Services is advising against entering the water at 19 beaches.

Suffolk County, NY - September 3, 2013 - The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has issued an advisory against bathing at 19 beaches, including beaches located along the northern shoreline of Great South Bay and in Sag Harbor, (list attached).

The advisory is based on the potential that bacterial numbers in excess of New York State standards, resulting from the heavy rain, will impact these areas.

The beaches covered by the advisory are located in areas that are heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from the surrounding watersheds and/or adjacent tributaries, and, because of their location in an enclosed embayment, experience limited tidal flushing.

The department recommends that bathing and other water contact be suspended in affected areas until the waters have been flushed by two successive tidal cycles (at least a 24 hr. period) after the cessation of rainfall. Unless sampling done by the department finds elevated bacterial numbers persisting beyond the 24-hourr period, this advisory will be lifted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2013.

For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit the website link: www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health and under “Our Environment,” click “Beaches.”

Suffolk County Department of Health Services

19 Beaches Included in Bathing Advisory of 9/3/13