5 Swimming Areas Closed In CT After Water Quality Testing

Three state park beaches and two lakes are closed to swimmers Thursday, according to the state.

The closures follow the last indicator bacteria testing results, which were received Wednesday.

Tests are conducted during the peak season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

The tests are conducted by Department of Energy and Environmental Protection staff and analyzed at a Department of Public Health lab to detect the presence of certain indicator bacteria.

When a closure occurs, a retest is scheduled the next day.

The following state park beaches are closed:

• Rocky Neck State Park (West Beach) in Niantic
• Sherwood Island State Park in Westport
• Silver Sands State Park in Milford

The following state park lakes are closed as well:

• Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth
• Wharton Brook State Park in Wallingford

For more information, check out the state parks website.

Excessive rainfall is often the culprit in elevated bacteria levels, according to the state.

Towns have also closed beaches this week.

Read more: Stratford Beaches Closed For Swimming For Multiple Days: Officials

UPDATE: East Haven, Branford Beaches Remain Closed, Bacteria Test Results Back Thursday: Health Dept.