Jul. 6—CLAYTON — Save The River’s Beach Watch Water Quality Testing Program is scheduled to begin on Monday. Staff and volunteers will test the Thousand Islands’ most popular swimming beaches.
Bathtub Bay off Picton Island has been added to the list of tested locations. The other eight: Wilson’s Beach, Sawmill Bay, Potters Beach, Frink Park, Round Island, the Thousand Islands Park Cove, Lake of the Isles and Scenic View Park. All will be tested for E. coli through the summer.
Save The River tests for E. coli because it is a simple measure of water quality. More than 235 E. coli colonies in a 100-milliter sample is considered unhealthy for people by the New York State Department of Health. Excessive E. coli in the River can indicate a leaking sewage, pollution from runoff and high levels of human and animal excrement.
Testing is completed by Converse Laboratories in Watertown. Results are shared weekly on Save The River’s social media, website and with the press to ensure another healthy swimming season on the St. Lawrence River.
More information can be found at savetheriver.org, by calling (315) 686-2010, and emailing info@savetheriver.org