The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that the agency will delay the opening of Lake George (aka “Million Dollar”) Beach to swimming this weekend due to E.coli counts that exceed New York State Department of Health (DOH) guidelines.

 Results from water samples taken on June 6 showed 360 colonies of E.coli per 100 ml, which exceeds the DOH's 235 colonies of E.coli per 100 ml risk level.

DEC took water samples today and expects to have results within 24 hours‎. If the results are below 235 colonies of E.coli per 100 ml of water, DEC will open the beach to swimming. If the results exceed the acceptable level, the beach will remain closed to swimming. 

DEC will take water samples again on Saturday and seek to open the beach on Sunday if E.coli counts drop to acceptable levels.

Recent excessive rains may have contributed to the presence of E. Coli.  DEC is launching an investigation to include extensive sampling to track down potential sources of bacteria, and will be working with state and local officials as necessary to quickly implement actions to identify and terminate any continuing pathogen contamination.

The beach was scheduled to be open for swimming Saturday and Sunday only and closed during the week. The beach is scheduled to open to swimming seven days a week through Labor Day beginning Saturday, June 17.

Additional information and updates will be ‎shared with the public as they become available on DEC’s website.