Unsafe Bacteria Levels Gone From Valley Falls Pond In Vernon

VERNON, CT — The water at Valley Falls Park is safe again, but that doesn't necessarily mean the town is enthusiastic about folks swimming there.

Vernon officials Friday said that the latest water sampling by the North Central District Health Department has determined that the elevated levels of bacteria are gone from the pond. That was not the case earlier this week, when runoff from heavy rains that accompanied a powerful storm Monday made the water unsafe for swimming.

A resampling was taken Thursday and everything checked out, officials said.

Town officials have been emphasizing use of the two public swimming venues that have lifeguards. The waterfront at Valley Falls is technically closed this summer because none are on duty. Nevertheless, visitors have been regularly swimming in the pond and some were even seen in the water this week after the bad test results and a posted warning from health officials.

Supervised public swimming is available to Vernon residents at the Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike and at Newhoca Park on Bolton Lake.

Newhoca, located at 185 Grier Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and the Community Pool is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.