Due to heavy rainfall, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has warned against bathing at Havens Beach in Sag Harbor based on the potential of high bacteria levels that exceed New York standards.
Havens Beach, an area heavily influenced by stormwater runoff from surrounding watersheds and adjacent tributaries, is one of 56 beaches covered by the advisory. Because of their locations in an enclosed embayment, these areas are likely to experience tidal flushing that will endure over at least a 24-hour period for two successive tidal cycles after the rain has stopped, according to the department.
Health officials have urged beachgoers to refrain from bathing and other water contact until the advisory is lifted on Thursday at 9 a.m., unless sampling reveals elevated levels of bacteria persisting beyond the 24-hour period.
For up-to-date information on affected beaches, people can visit the Suffolk County Department of Health Service's beach monitoring web page or call the bathing beach hotline at 852-5822.