Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced Tuesday that Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington is closed to bathing due to excess bacteria. The beach will remain closed until testing reveals that levels of bacteria meet New York State standards.
According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
Additionally, Lake Ronkonkoma remains closed due to a cyanobacteria bloom. The lake will reopen when further testing reveals that the cyanobacteria levels have subsided to acceptable levels.
Suffolk County Department of Health Services began testing bathing water at permitted beaches this Memorial Day weekend.
For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822 or contact the Department’s Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours. http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/BeachMonitoringProgram.aspx