Swimming has been restricted at Beach 9 on Presque Isle State Park after water testing revealed elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, according to officials.
The restriction took effect at 9:10 a.m. on July 7, after testing showed an E. coli count of 2,046.3 colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water, more than double the threshold that triggers a swimming restriction.
For public safety, swimming waters at Presque Isle are tested twice each week. Under Erie County Department of Health protocols, a beach is posted as “Restricted Swimming” when E. coli levels reach or exceed 1,000 CFU per 100 milliliters of water.
Daily re-testing has already begun and will continue until bacteria levels fall below the department’s safety threshold.
While the restriction remains in place, visitors are not permitted to enter the water at Beach 9. However, the beach itself remains open for other recreational activities, including sunbathing and shoreline use.
The restriction only applies to Beach 9. Presque Isle State Park has 13 regulated swimming beaches, and officials said all other beaches remain open and available for swimming.
Park visitors are encouraged to check for the latest beach conditions and advisories before heading to the shoreline.