The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today that due to the high E.coli levels associated with last week’s rain event – and in an abundance of caution – DEC is delaying the opening of the Lake George (aka “Million Dollar”) Beach on Saturday, June 17, until results of water samples taken during today’s rain are received.

Results are expected by midday Saturday. Based on the results, DEC will determine whether the beach will reopen for swimming.

If the beach does not reopen on Saturday, DEC will sample the water daily until E.coli levels are within acceptable levels in accordance with NYS Department of Health guidelines. Once the sampling results demonstrate acceptable levels of E.coli, DEC will reopen the beach. DEC will then return to the agency’s regular sampling schedule and continue to sample when significant rain events occur.

DEC, the town and village of Lake George, and the Lake George Association are working diligently to identify and eliminate the source of E.coli in the waters at the beach.