MANCHESTER, NH –The city health department has declared Crystal Lake unsafe for swimming after a third test showed higher than acceptable levels of E. coli bacteria.
A fourth test will be taken Aug. 19, after three previous tests on Aug. 15, 17 and 18, did not show improvement.
According to Health Department chief Tim Soucy, the persistent problem of E. coli at Crystal Lake is due to a combination of things.
“We’ve seen dog waste and geese dropping on the beach as well as reports of dogs and geese in the water, so that may be a source. If a child has an accident in the water, that’s also a possibility. When we do get heavy rain, run-off is a factor. The literature also suggests that poorly circulated recreational swimming area might pose an additional risk for increased bacterial contamination,” Soucy said. “Given our drought conditions, and warmer water, this might also be a factor.”
Soucy also said that since City sewer was run through the area, there is less concern with an issue like a failed septic system as a contributing factor.
