SOURCE:
https://www.liherald.com/lynbrook/stories/would-you-want-to-swim-in-the-water,189194?
By Mark Nolan - August 20, 2023
Bathers looking for a respite from the summer heat have a choice — jostle with crowds at one of the bigger ocean beaches, or find a less crowded bayside beach.
For many, Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway is a nice option, especially for families with little kids who want to enjoy the water but avoid bigger waves.
Locals, however, know that after a heavy rain, the beach is likely to be under an advisory against swimming.
For the fifth time this summer, a Hewlett Point Beach in East Rockaway was temporarily closed by the Nassau County Department of Health because of the risk of elevated bacteria levels from stormwater runoff. Throughout the county, 18 beaches have been placed under temporary advisory at least three times. Island Park Beach in Island Park and Hewlett Point Beach have each been under advisory five times this summer alone.
The advisories are just that — alerts to potential bathers that stormwater runoff could raise bacteria levels in the water above New York State standards for bathing water quality. And the advisories are usually lifted within 24 hours.
But it just doesn’t sound like a good time at the beach when you are advised against swimming because of possible elevated bacteria levels.
“It’s not a situation where people want to go to the beach and get in the water,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
A Hempstead Town spokesperson said the town is looking at ways to mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff in areas continually affected.
“The Town of Hempstead works closely with the Nassau County Board of Health to explore ways to alleviate the high levels of bacteria,” the spokesperson said. “One possibility would be to seed natural filters like mollusks along the coastline, but the town is still exploring all possible solutions.”
Esposito agreed that natural filters are effective. She also said municipalities have installed devices in catch basins along roads to reduce bacteria.
“They know what needs to be done to mitigate the effect of stormwater runoff,” Esposito said. “People on Long Island pay taxes to enjoy the beach. We should be able to enjoy the beach without worrying about bacteria levels.”
Bill Reitzig, chief operating officer of Fabco Industries, Inc, said his company makes custom water filtration devices that fit into drainage basins or pipes and are scientifically proven to kill bacteria. Most devices cost about $1,200-$1,400 for smaller units.
“The science is proven and these devices work,” Reitzig said. “It’s a simply and relatively inexpensive way to make the water safe again.”
Reitzig hoped that residents realize that anything dumped down a storm drain — leaves, garbage, motor oil, soap from washing the car — ends up directly into the bays. He wants to improve education programs, especially in schools, to teach people and remind them that everything in a storm drain directly impact Long Island’s water quality.
“A renewed emphasis on education could be a good and relatively inexpensive start,” Reitzig said.
For now, though, residents will have to keep up-to-date of possible bathing advisories throughout the county.
“Hewlett Point Park remains a safe and excellent destination for a day at the beach,” the Hempstead spokesperson said.
The Nassau County Department of Health can be reached at (516) 227-9717. For up-to-date recorded information on beach openings and closings, call (516) 227-9700.