Advisories Posted At 4 New London County Swimming Areas

NEW LONDON, CT — Swimming advisories have been posted at four swimming areas in Groton, New London, and Stonington.

The Ledge Light Health District issued the following statement on the advisories:

Swimming advisories are currently in effect for the following areas:

• Mumford Cove, Groton
• Jupiter Point Beach, Groton
• Green Harbor Beach, New London
• Williams Beach, Stonington

Samples taken on Monday, July 1, 2024, were elevated for bacteria likely due to a significant rainfall event that occurred on Sunday, June 30, 2024. All beachgoers should take this into consideration before swimming or wading in these waters.

Ledge Light Health District conducted routine bathing water sampling on Monday, July 1, 2024. The following areas exceeded the bacterial action levels set by the State of Connecticut:

• Highland Park, Ledyard
• Roger's Lake (Hains Park), Old Lyme
• Mumford Cove, Groton
• Jupiter Point Beach, Groton
• Green Harbor Beach, New London
• Williams Beach, Stonington

Highland Park in Ledyard and Roger's Lake (Hains Park) in Old Lyme were posted with swimming advisories and re-sampled on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Results were within acceptable limits and the advisories were lifted today, Wednesday, July 3, 2024, for these two inland bathing areas (freshwater).

Mumford Cove & Jupiter Point in Groton, Green Harbor Beach in New London, and Williams Beach in Stonington were posted with swimming advisories on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Due to the increased time it requires to test marine water samples, the July 4th holiday, and temporary office and lab closures, re-samples will not be drawn prior to the weekend for these four areas, and they will remain under advisory through the weekend. The samples collected on Monday July 1, 2024 were likely elevated for bacteria due to a significant rain event that took place overnight on Sunday, June 30, 2024. This should be taken into consideration.

Please be aware that rain or other contamination events occurring before the Monday morning routine sampling may have contributed to elevated bacterial counts in the water. Areas with stormwater runoff (storm drainpipes or extensive impervious surfaces), or low water turnover (inland bathing areas), are particularly vulnerable to increased bacterial counts following rainfall. We recommend all individuals responsible for the bathing areas take these events into consideration.

For more information, and a list of our sample sites, please visit our website at: http://llhd.org/beaches or call us with any questions at (860) 448-4882.

LLHD will resume routine beach water sampling on Monday, July 8, 2024.