Beach Water Quality Monitoring

Presque Isle Beach Advisories

During the days of summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the RSC collects water quality samples along the public swimming beaches of Presque Isle 7 days a week. By working closely with both the Erie County Department of Health as well as the PA Department of Conservation of Natural Resources, there is never a day when the public is not aware of the most up to date water quality information. The RSC samples for both E. coli and Enterococcus bacteria. These bacteria are excellent indicators of more harmful pathogens being potentially present.

Why Test the Water?

You might have heard that the lake is dirty, and that is why we have to test the water quality. This is simply not true! In 2012 the federal government added Recreational Water Quality Criteria (RWQC) to the BEACH act. These criteria created national standards to protect people recreating in the water. Every public body of water with a lifeguard posted for swimming must be tested according to these standards weekly, including swimming pools!

How are samples taken?

Water samples are collected in sterilized 500mL bottles, from the middle of the water column, in at least waist-depth of water. This ensures the sample is the most accurate representation of the water a swimmer will be in contact with. All samples are kept on ice and returned to the laboratory for processing following the IDEXX Colilert and Enterolert methodologies within 4 hours of collection.

RSC Interns collecting a daily water sample

How will I know if there is an advisory?

Both the Erie County Department of Health as well as the Department of Conservation of Natural Resources post the water quality results daily. The Erie County Department of Health posts results to an interactive map online which can be found here. DCNR posts results on signage as you enter the park.  Results are posted by 11 am daily.

Swimming advisory sign at the entrance of Presque Isle State Park