High bacteria levels close Lake Ronkonkoma Beach, health officials say

Bacteria levels higher than state standards has led to the closure of Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip to swimming, Suffolk County health officials said Monday.

The beach was closed last Monday for the same reason, and reopened Friday when recent water samples met state standards, officials said.

Swimming in such contaminated water "can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose and throat," said Dr. James Tomarken, county health commissioner.

To learn more and stay up to date on affected beaches, residents can call the county's bathing beach hotline at 631-852-5822 or check gis2.suffolkcountyny.gov/bathingbeaches/