Source Information
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) monitors water quality at beaches in this region from Memorial Day weekend to Labour Day weekend. Water qualities are collected daily at Presque Isle State Park. Results are posted at the Lifeguard Headquarters ( 814-833-0526). In addition to this, the Nowcast predictive model on water quality has been used since 2010 to generate results.
If the E. coli level in a water sample is greater than or equal to 235 cfu/100ml, but less than 1,000 cfu/100ml, the beach will be posted with a swimming advisory. Swimming will be permitted and the public will be informed that the E. coli level exceeds standards and what precautions to take if they choose to enter the water. If the E. coli is equal to or greater than 1,000 cfu/100 ml, the beach will be posted with a swimming restriction and swimming will not be permitted. When an E. coli level drops below 1,000cfu/100ml but remains above 235 cfu/100ml, the beach will be posted as an advisory. Advisories will be lifted only when resampling indicates a bacteria level below 235. If an advisory or a restriction is posted, only the posted beaches will be re-sampled for three consecutive days.
A beach is marked Green when results come back with counts between 0 cfu/100ml - 234 cfu/100 ml.
A beach is marked Red when results come back with counts between 235 cfu/100ml - 1000 cfu/100ml
Swimming is restricted when counts come back > 1000 cfu/100 ml :
A beach is marked Grey when the information is over a week old.
Beaches will be designated with "Special Status" if the information does not become readily available.
