BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Burlington parks staff members hope to again allow swimming at two city beaches after being shut down for two days because of E. coli concerns.
New test results could allow the water to reopen Thursday.
Tests found E. coli above safe levels in the water near North and Leddy Beaches in Burlington. That forced swimmers out of the water on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"We're very cautious and take very seriously high counts with E. coli," says Maggie Leugers, Parks & Recreation superintendent.
Leugers blames recent storm water runoff for spiking the E. coli levels in parts of Lake Champlain. She says it's rare for the water to be closed because of E. coli.
"We want to make sure people have a good, safe time. It affects our revenue too. We want to have it open a lot of reasons," says Leugers.
But she says keeping the water closed for now is the safe bet to make sure no one gets sick from the bacteria.
While there were few people on the sand at North Beach Wednesday, those who were there agreed staying out of the water was the best idea.
"I'd rather not risk any poisoning to my body," says Dan Dailey, a beach goer.
Though some were not in a rush to go back into the water, even if allowed.
"I don't know probably not. I would probably give it a week or two before I really trusted it," says Kenny John, a beach goer.
The results of the new tests are expected Thursday morning. That's when Parks and Rec will announce whether the water at both North and Leddy will reopen.
For updates, CLICK HERE for Parks and Recreation.
