Elevated Bacteria Levels Detected At Valley Falls Pond In Vernon

VERNON, CT — Vernon officials Wednesday were urging members of the public to stay out of the pond at Valley Falls Park because routine water sampling by the North Central District Health Department has detected elevated levels of bacteria.

The culprit is likely runoff from heavy rains that accompanied a powerful storm Monday, town officials said.

A resampling has been scheduled for Thursday, officials said.

The waterfront at valley Falls is technically closed this summer because no lifeguards are on duty. Nevertheless, visitors have been regularly swimming in the pond.

Supervised public swimming is available to Vernon residents at the Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike and at Newhoca Park on Bolton Lake.

Newhoca, located at 185 Grier Road, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and the Community Pool is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.