NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
11 July 2008

 

CITY ISLAND BEACH REOPENS; E-COLI READINGS IN RIVER REGISTER SAFE LEVELS

 

Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today said Escherichia Coli, or E-Coli, bacteria readings in the Susquehanna River at the City Island Beach have fallen well within safe levels. A water sample taken on July 9, 2007, which came back today, showed a quality level well under the maximum of 235 colonies per 100 milliliters. Thus, City Island Beach is now reopened immediately to the public.

Reed said the city tests the water at the City Island Beach on a daily basis, and first learned of elevated levels on July 9, 2007, which came as a result of a water test from two days prior. Tests are conducted daily by an independently contracted laboratory and are regularly reported to the state under Dept. of Health guidelines, which sets a maximum level of 235 colonies per 100 milliliters.

Beginning today, City Island Beach will resume its normal swimming schedule.

Mayor Reed said, "We are hopeful that e-coli levels will continue to stay low, and that normal usage of City Island Beach for swimming will continue uninterrupted throughout the rest of these summer months."