These Connecticut bodies of water are closed due to bacteria levels

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Is it safe to swim at your favorite state park lake or beach? Check before you go.

Bodies of water at two Connecticut State Parks were closed, as of 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Gay City State Park in Hebron has closed its lake.

Closures happen due to what the state calls “indicator bacteria.” While the bacteria don’t cause disease, they are used by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to see if a lake, pond or beach could be contaminated.

On the morning of July 3, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District announced the closure of the swimming area at Hop Brook Lake in Middlebury due to high bacteria levels.

The Department of Energy & Environmental Protection also warned boaters of an increased risk of an algae bloom at Ball Pond in New Fairfield and Dooley Pond in Middletown on July 3.

DEEP tracks closures online.

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