The city of Burlington has closed North Beach again after elevated levels of E. coli were found in the lake following Sunday’s heavy rain. The tests were conducted on Monday.
Vermont State Toxicologist Sarah Vose told the Burlington Free Press after city beaches were closed in late July that most strains of E. coli are harmless but do indicate the possibility of a health hazard. She said the bacteria strain is found in the intestinal tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and in soil.
Officials say heavy rainfall typically washes soil particles containing the bacteria into Lake Champlain.