The Chautauqua County Health Department monitors permitted bathing
beaches for specific indicator bacteria (fecal coliforms and E.coli) and harmful
algae (blue-green algae or cyanobacteria) to determine compliance with
Subpart 6-2, Section 6-2.15 of the New York Sanitary Code. Closure of beaches
at times when the water is unsafe for swimming is the best means of protecting
the public from possible disease exposure. Beach closures are based on
exceedance of indicator bacteria standards set by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and on the presence of harmful algal blooms following NYSDOH
guidance.

Beach closures occur immediately (the same day) as laboratory test results
indicate samples exceed water quality standards. When the indicator bacteria
levels become too high, the potential risk to human health from bacteria in the
water becomes too great, triggering a beach closure. When a beach is deemed
closed signs are posted along the beach visible to the public.

Status of the quality of Chautuaqua County permitted public beaches are listed below: