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Water Report: Better This Week

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 14:19

In a positive turn of events, the Concerned Citizens of Montauk’s weekly water testing earlier this week revealed lower levels of bacteria across the numerous testing sites in the Montauk, Amagansett, Springs, and East Hampton areas. Unfortunately, enterococcus bacteria levels in Montauk’s Fort Pond remain high. 

Enterococcus levels are considered high when they surpass the threshold of 104 CFU. This past week, C.C.O.M. reported four testing sites with high levels of enterococcus, down from last week’s 10 sites. In addition to the two sites at Fort Pond, Fresh Pond’s Creek and Northwest Creek’s culvert showed high levels of enterococcus.

C.C.O.M. warns individuals to avoid any direct contact with water that contains high levels of bacteria. Skin contact or ingestion increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness and infection. The bacteria is not only a risk to humans, but to pets and livestock as well. 

C.C.O.M. also urged people to check the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's map of harmful algae blooms, which shows where were detected in recent weeks or earlier in the season. 

Exposure to harmful algae blooms can pose health risks to animals and humans and should be avoided.

Villages

If a Tree Falls In East Hampton, Who Hears It?

A tree once grew in East Hampton. A big tree. A “perfectly healthy tree” that was likely “a couple of lifetimes” old, according to Dave Collins, the East Hampton Village superintendent of public works. Then, a homeowner decided it needed to go and in a spasm of governmental efficiency, it was promptly removed by the state. The tree seems to have fallen victim to a cross-jurisdictional communication gap.

Feb 13, 2025

It’s a Bird Count Weekend

This weekend, as bad weather blows across the East End and you’re staring out the window, why not count the birds that you see at your feeder for the Great Backyard Bird Count?

Feb 13, 2025

A Push for Historic Status in Wainscott

The Wainscott Citizens Advisory Committee voted unanimously to write a letter to the East Hampton Town Board calling for the historic preservation of the entire 30-acre property at 66 Main Street, which the town purchased for $56 million last year with community preservation money.

Feb 13, 2025

 

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