Six locations tested by Concerned Citizens of Montauk this week registered levels of enterococcus in the medium or high range, though most East Hampton Town sites tested showed low to no bacteria.
Enterococcus levels of at least 104 MPN/100 ml, or most probable number per 100 milliliters, are considered high and a risk to human health. High levels are often a result of heavy rains, extreme high tides, and/or warm water temperatures. High winds over the weekend and on the day of sampling, along with light rainfall in some areas on Saturday night, may have contributed to the elevated bacteria levels observed.
High levels of enterococcus were detected at two Lake Montauk sites: the East Creek (1,314 MPN/100 ml) and the Benson Drive culvert (332 MPN/10 ml). Medium levels of enterococcus (36 to 104 MPN/100 ml) measured in Montauk were at Tuthill Pond (97 MPN/100 ml), the West Creek of Lake Montauk (74 MPN/100 ml), and the outfall pipe at Surfside Place (63 MPN/100 ml). A medium level was also measured at the shipyard ramp at Accabonac Harbor (41 MPN/100 ml).
Any activity that involves direct contact with the water, such as swimming, wading, or water sports in any water body with bacteria levels higher than 104, should be avoided. That water should not be used for cooking or bathing.
Enterococcus is bacteria commonly found in human and animal intestines and often used as indicators of water contamination, particularly by fecal matter. According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, recreational waters are considered unsafe if enterococcus levels exceed 104 colony-forming units per 100 milliliters for marine water and 61 CFU/100 ml for freshwater.
According to the Suffolk County Health Department, exposure to pathogen-contaminated water can cause symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Illnesses of the upper respiratory tract, and minor skin, eye, ear, nose, and throat infections have also been associated with pathogen exposures. Those with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and children are most vulnerable to these illnesses.
C.C.O.M. resumed annual testing for harmful algal blooms in Fort Pond this week. Its first 2025 results were pending as of Wednesday.
