New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) staff are aggressively working to determine the cause of high coliform bacteria levels at Lake George (aka Million Dollar) Beach that exceed New York State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

The beach and all waters in the area known as Dog Beach, which lies between West Brook and the Lake George Beach facility, will be closed until further notice.

Sampling is being expanded to include several spots along the shoreline on the south end of the lake.

Staff conducted an investigation Wednesday and observed an unusually high number of geese, ducks and seagulls in the area.

Test results on Tuesday and Friday came back elevated, and both samples were taken in the aftermath of large rain events.

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.

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