The Darien Health Department collects water samples at Pear Tree Point and Weed Beaches weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day and submits those samples to the Stamford Health Department Laboratory to be tested for the presence of bacteria that may cause illness. The purpose of the testing is to ensure that the water quality meets health safety standards for swimmers as established by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. In addition to water sampling, this department monitors rainfall amounts during the season and has an established protocol of notifying the Parks and Recreation Department to close the beaches for swimming whenever more than one inch of rain occurs in a 24 hour period. This policy is consistent with that of other shoreline communities and is considered to be a preemptive measure to protect public health since elevated bacteria levels are often observed after rainfall events.
The Beach telephone HOTLINE (203-656-7323) provides up-to-date information regarding the status of our beaches during the summer months. A summary of test results will be available on the Health Department website www.darienct.gov/health
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