The Beach Watch program has begun!

Save The River volunteers are collecting water quality samples at six popular swimming areas:

• Wilson Beach in Cape Vincent,
• Potter’s Beach on Grindstone Island,
• Frink Dock in Clayton,
• Round Island in Clayton,
• Lake of the Isles on Wellesley Island and
• Scenic View Park in Alexandria Bay.

Sampling dates for 2009 are: July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27 and August 3.

The program provides a snapshot of water quality at popular swimming areas which are not monitored by other groups during the peak recreational swimming season.

The samples collected each week are tested for Enterococci, a bacteria that is closely linked with human health impacts such as: rashes and gastrointestinal illness. Samples are taken from Bowes Realty to Watertown through a sample collection coordination program each week by Converse Laboratory.

Save The River runs this program on a volunteer basis and the results cannot be used to conclusively say that a location is safe or unsafe for swimming. Instead, we test these sites to determine whether there is cause for concern at a specific location and whether further testing is needed. If high bacteria levels are found, Save The River confers with state agencies to develop a more conclusive sampling plan and look closely at potential causes and solutions.

Weekly Updates

Weekly sampling results will be posted on the Save The River’s Beach Watch page. Check back for updates!

For More Information

Read the Beach Watch fact sheet, which includes additional information about the testing parameters and how to understand results.

To sponsor or volunteer for this program call Save The River at (315) 686-2010 or e-mail sarah@savetheriver.org.