The Allegheny National Forest has announced that Kinzua Beach swim area is closed due to E. coli in the water. However, visitors may still use the picnic area. Kiasutha, Loleta and Twin Lakes are all open.
E. coli is a bacterium that comes from human or animal wastes (such as Canada Geese). It also frequently occurs after periods of heavy rain when swimming areas are more likely to be flooded by runoff. Closing any of the Allegheny National Forest’s four beaches is a rare occurrence, but the area has received a lot of rain this summer.
The swim water on the Allegheny National Forest’s four beaches are tested weekly by a certified lab during the summer. Kinzua Beach will reopen when the test results are within normal limits.