Mamaroneck Harbor Water Needs Further Testing

More work needs to be done to clean up Mamaroneck Harbor.

A recently released water quality report revealed significant bacterial contamination at nine locations in and around the harbor.

The organization Save the Sound released the report in which 25 sites in the harbor and along the Mamaroneck River, Beaver Swamp Brook and Otter Creek were sampled.

The report said further testing and investigation to determine the causes of elevated levels of E. coli and fecal coliform bacteria.

Two sites—at the A&P Food Store on Mamaroneck Avenue and the Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club—require followup testing to make sure the fixes were implemented successfully.

Tom Andersen, New York program and communications coordinator for Save the Sound, said the high levels of bacteria revealed why the village's beaches are closed so often.

He said the village officials acted quickly to address the worst problems, but more needs to be done.

"By tracking down and fixing widespread sewage leaks and other illegal discharges throughout Westchester County," Andersen said, "we can reopen our beaches and protect water quality along our shoreline."

In August, Westchester County said the water in Mamaroneck Harbor was improved.

"Whatever you guys have been doing, keep it up," Public Health Sanitarian Mark J. Boda wrote at the time.

He had sent the village results of recent samples for various locations which were tested for the bacteria enterococcus, which is found in fecal matter.