Southold lake closed to swimmers over high bacteria levels

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has closed a Southold lake to swimming due to unacceptably high levels of bacteria in the water, according to a press release.

The lake at Peconic Dunes County Park in Southold is one of seven beaches and lakes that were closed Tuesday, according to the release. The Long Island Sound beach at that park remains open to swimmers.

Department commissioner James L. Tomarken said immersion in bacteria-contaminated water can result in “gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.”

For the latest information on affected beaches, residents can call the Bathing Beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or the health department’s Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 during normal business hours.

Swimmers can also visit an interactive map of which beaches are open.