Archival Test Data is now available for 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 seasons
Call 264.5628 to report any Water Quality or Storm Water issuesHave Swimmers' Itch? Learn more about that here
Again this summer, the Town of Colchester is testing the water along its 27 miles of shoreline in Malletts Bay and the Broadlake. Our goal is to keep beach goers informed of water safety conditions and to identify possible problem sources of harmful bacteria.
Twelve water samples from 9 different sites are tested twice a week for the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. Coli). E. Coli is a very effective indicator for the possible presence of more harmful bacteria that can cause human health problems such as gastrointestinal dysfunction (gastroenteritis). The Vermont State Health Department recommends not swimming in water where E. Coli levels are higher than 77 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water. Vermont is one of the most stringent states in the nation in this regard as the National standard is 125 CFU. For the general areas of the lake along Colchester's shores, when water samples come back with E. Coli levels higher than 77 CFU/100mL, those readings will appear in RED.
The 9 sites tested on a regular basis this year are the same ones used in the past few years and allow us to maintain consistency in our data collection. Other sites may be added for short-term testing due to specific conditions. In 2011, the following additional sites were added and why:
#2 - Broadlake Road - Concern that the flooding coming from the Winooski River was elevating E.Coli levels there above those at the Horizon View Site
For Bayside Beach and Rossetti Natural Area, multiple samples are taken each testing day. If two or more of the samples have unsafe E. Coli levels, the affected beach will be closed until new tests come back with safe E. Coli counts. Signs indicating that the water is unsafe to swim in will be posted at each beach and the message on the phone number (264.5628) will be updated. THIS WEBSITE IS UPDATED LATE IN THE DAY SO CHECK THE BEACH OR THE PHONE NUMBER FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFO.
.AS A GENERAL RULE: Swimmers should always stay clear of streams, and where streams and storm drains flow into the lake. A distance of at least 100 feet from stream and drain outflows is advised. Swimmers should also avoid swimming after rainfall for at least 1 - 2 days.
If
you have any questions or comments, please call Steffen Parker, Water Quality
Coordinator
264.5628 or email at sparker@colchestervt.gov
