Clute Park swimming now open

WATKINS GLEN--Clute Park swimming is now open.
Swimming was prohibited for six days (from July 27-Aug. 2) due to E-coli bacteria detected in water samples by the state department of health.
Details of the water bacteria source and responsibility for the park closing and opening notifications has seen differing responses from local officials.
A Montour Falls official (name withheld by request) said the village received some seven inches of rainfall in and around Wednesday, July 25. The amount of precipitation that fell overwhelmed the wastewater facility. Even though some reports said this downpour sent contaminated water towards Watkins Glen, the Montour official said that is probably not the cause. He said only a small amount of contaminated water was released.
The Hornell office for the state health department coordinated the water sample tests and then made telephone calls to local officials to post the "NO SWIMMING AND NO PETS IN THE WATER" notices. The notice was posted at the Clute Park swimming area.
The village of Watkins Glen could not recall which media outlets were notified of the swimming ban. The REVIEW&EXPRESS was not notified. Marcia Kasprzyk, director of public health for the county, did not return a phone call by press time regarding the lack of notification. The state health department did not return a phone call regarding the lack of notification.
The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce sent out an email Aug. 2 stating, "After being closed for several days due to E-coli bacteria in the water, testing shows that the issue is resolved and Clute Park is now completely reopened to the public. Swimming, paddling, and all water activities in the vicinity may resume."
Another Watkins Glen official (name withheld by request) said the county health director plans to conduct a meeting in August to review the notification process throughout the county.