Swimming Again Barred At Part Of Manchester Lake

MANCHESTER, NJ — Swimming has been suspended again at Harry Wright Lake in Manchester after high levels of bacteria were found in test samples on Wednesday, authorities said.

The Manchester Township Recreation Department posted the closure Thursday afternoon, citing the test results.

The water is tested weekly by the Ocean County Health Department, which then repeats tests daily when levels of Escherichia coli bacteria exceed 104 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.

On Tuesday the high beach at Harry Wright Lake had 330 colonies. The low beach had 240 colonies per 100 milliliters of water, according to the health department.

The results of Wednesday's repeat testing had not been posted to the health department website as of 2:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Recreation officials said the high beach is where the pavilion is located and the sand is higher. The low side of the lake is where the concession stand and playground are located, officials said.

Swimming was halted at the high beach on July 25 as well.

Water samples that exceed 104 colonies prompt swimming advisories, and swimming bans when retesting shows continuing levels that exceed the standard.

Sources of Enterococci in water include stormwater runoff, and domestic animal and wildlife waste. Swimming in polluted water can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, runny nose, earaches skin rashes and flu-like symptoms.