Bacteria Tests Discontinued Until 'Significant' Rain; Eichler's Cove Beach Remains Closed

Health officials have discontinued testing the beach water for bacteria at Eichler's Cove indefinitely until heavy rains move through the area.

Health Director Donna Culbert said through a representative that tests of water samples taken from three different locations at Eichler's Cove on Friday measured more than 2,419 colonies of fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters of water -- the maximum amount the test can detect.

A week ago, bacteria tests showed one location with more than 2,419 bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters of water while a second spot measured 1,414 colonies and the third was at 547 colonies.

The state sets an upper limit of 235 colonies for water to be safe enough to swim in. Since then, the tests have only shown an increase in bacteria.

Health officials said they believe the bacteria is due to the presence of nearby Canada geese and ducks. Because the water from Lake Zoar does not appear to be moving through the area, the bacteria has remained.

Officials said bacteria testing will be discontinued until after a "significant" rain storm passes through the area.

The rain would help flush away the bacteria, and until that happens, test results are unlikely to change, officials have said..

Eichler's Cove will remain closed until further notice.