Dear Town Administrator Walter – Per your request, please let this email serve as a response to the community concern regarding the anecdotal information that the parasite, Giardia, is in the water at Columbia Lake. Let me start by stating that it is common for rivers, ponds, lakes and other water bodies like Columbia Lake to contain viruses, bacteria, and parasites that pose a risk of illness to those that are exposed to the water. It is for this reason such surface water bodies always pose some level of risk of an ill health outcome associated with water activities like swimming or water skiing. Those risks increase significantly when one accidently ingests the water. Consequently, this office does receive reports on occasion of individuals (or pets) that experience symptoms consistent with such exposures.
The objective of the bathing water quality program administered by the Eastern Highlands High District is to monitor those risks associated with swimming in these types of surface water bodies. Towards that end the Health District does conduct weekly testing of Columbia lake in accordance with the Connecticut Department of Public Health Guidelines for monitoring Swimming Water. While the Health District has observed higher bacteria levels on average in Columbia Lake this year as compared to past years, the most recent test results indicate that current bacteria levels are suitable for swimming. No additional testing beyond our weekly monitoring is recommended at this time.
The Health District will notify Town Officials when the results from our bathing water monitoring program warrant a public notification to residents and lake visitors regarding concerns with bathing water quality.
Please let me know if I can be of any further service.
Yours in health,
Robert L. Miller, MPH, RS
Director of Health
Eastern Highlands Health District
4 South Eagleville Road
Storrs, CT 06268
860-429-3325
860-429-3321 (Fax)
Twitter: @RobMillerMPH
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, stay home and get tested if you’re sick. For the most current updates and recommendations, visit ct.gov/coronavirus.
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