Seth's Pond Closed Due to Bacteria

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<p>Seth&rsquo;s Pond in West Tisbury has been closed until further notice due to high levels of bacteria, health agent John Powers announced Tuesday.</p> <p>The freshwater pond was re-tested today, Mr. Powers said; it will be reopened pending the return of clean water samples.</p> <p>This is the second time the popular swimming pond off Lambert&rsquo;s Cove Road has been closed this season. In June the pond was briefly closed when a water sample showed high levels of enterococcus bacteria.</p>

Seth’s Pond in West Tisbury has been closed until further notice due to high levels of bacteria, health agent John Powers announced Tuesday.

The freshwater pond will be re-tested Friday, Mr. Powers said; it will be reopened pending the return of clean water samples.

This is the second time the popular swimming pond off Lambert’s Cove Road has been closed this season. In June the pond was briefly closed when a water sample showed high levels of enterococcus bacteria.

According to the state Department of Public Health, enterococcus bacteria is an indicator organism that could signal the presence of harmful bacteria in the water. Swimming in water with high levels of enterococci can be dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/10/2013 - 09:47

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Caroline New York

We have raised an entire generation of germaphobes. As kids, we swam in who knows what, loved getting our feet slimy with goo on the bottom, no parent stopped to ask if the water had bacteria. Bacteria, for heavens sake, is good for you. Builds up your immune system. People have compromised immune systems often because they are never exposed to germs/bacteria in the first place. This isn't rocket science. Bacteria = good. I'd tell the Department of Public Health to go jump in the lake! :-)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/10/2013 - 21:03

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Sarabeth West Tisbury

What are the plans for remedying the problem? As a daily swimmer there, I see 10 Canadian geese have taken up residence this year. Can they be moved out? Apparently they leave a pound of droppings per goose per day. And what about the septic systems around the pond? Can they be checked by the public health department for problems? This is a serious issue when a pristine pond so enjoyed by swimmers and children is closed. There has to be a solution.

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