Oyster Bay Estuary Water Quality, a project of Friend of the Bay.

Although coliform bacteria are not harmful, their levels are used as an indicator of possible presence of human pathogens within the aquatic environment. High levels of coliform bacteriacan cause the closure of shellfish beds and beaches due to human health concerns.

Friends of the Bay collects water samples at 19 sites (see map) throughout the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Estuary to identify coliform bacteria levels. The Nassau County Department of Health graciously donates the analysis of these samples to us each week.

The next item we monitor is >>> Water Clarity.