Kettletown Closed Due to High Levels of Bacteria

The swimming area at Kettletown State Park in Southbury was closed this morning by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.    

The water was closed to swimmers due to a higher than normal bacteria level, according to DEEP spokesmen Dwayne Gardner.  

“It’s most likely due to the heavy rains we’ve had,” said Gardner. “The runoff into the body of water brings contaminants such as animal waste and can raise the bacteria levels.”  

This is the first time the swimming area has been closed this year, the area was closed three times last year.  

“It’s normally a pretty clean stream,” said Gardner.  

The water will be retested Tuesday and results will be revealed Wednesday, at which time a decision whether or not to reopen the swimming area will be made.