The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has closed Lake George (aka Million Dollar) Beach effective immediately due to coliform counts that exceed New York State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

DEC is also closing all waters in the area known as Dog Beach, which lies between West Brook and the Lake George Beach facility.

This is second time in five days the beaches were closed due to elevated coliform levels. Results from water sample taken last week showed 1160 colonies of fecal coliform per 100 ml, which exceeds the Department of Health’s 1000 colonies of fecal coliform per 100 ml risk level. Additional testing over the weekend showed levels that were below DOH guidelines and the beach was re-opened.

The most recent sample results that came back Tuesday afternoon showed bacteria levels of 4180 colonies per 100ml.

Positive coliform bacteria results are typical in areas where birds and mammals frequent. Most coliform bacteria do not cause disease, however some rare strains of E. coli can cause serious illness. 

DEC water quality experts are immediately devising and implementing a sampling plan to track down potential sources, and will be working with state and local officials as necessary to quickly implement actions to terminate any continuing pathogen contamination.  

Lake George Beach will reopen as soon as coliform levels are once again below acceptable levels.