Western New York Beaches Rank Among State’s Dirtiest for Fecal Bacteria

Two beaches in Western New York have been identified as among the most contaminated in the state due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria, according to a report released by the nonprofit Environment New York.

Woodlawn Beach State Park in Blasdell and Hamburg Bathing Beach were found to have high counts of E. coli - a bacteria commonly linked to fecal matter - during water quality tests conducted last year.

The report draws on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s BEACON system which tracks beach advisories and closures.

Woodlawn Beach recorded unhealthy E. coli levels on 37 out of 113 days tested, making it the worst in New York for fecal contamination. Hamburg Bathing Beach ranked third, with unsafe readings on 30 of 95 days tested.

The EPA’s Beach Action Value sets the threshold for unsafe swimming conditions at 235 colony forming units (CFU) of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water.

Exceeding this level can lead to health issues including rashes, ear infections, gastrointestinal problems, and in some cases, hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

Nearly every beach monitored in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua counties recorded at least one day with E. coli levels above this threshold.

Since Memorial Day weekend this year, Woodlawn Beach has tested above the EPA limit on 15 out of 60 days, including seven times in July. Hamburg Beach recorded high levels on five of 33 testing days, with three instances occurring in July.

The trend of bacterial contamination at Western New York beaches has plagued the area for years. The ongoing issue is linked to aging wastewater systems, runoff, and increasingly warm water temperatures influenced by climate change, according to local water quality experts.

Efforts to improve conditions at Woodlawn Beach have included the expansion of wetlands in 2023 by New York State Parks, intended to filter contaminants from Blasdell Creek before reaching the beach.

Additionally, Erie County invested $16 million in 2015 and 2016 to upgrade sanitary sewer systems tied to the Southtowns water treatment facility which aimed at reducing sewage overflow into local waterways.

Western New York Beaches Rank Among State’s Dirtiest for Fecal Bacteria