A new report from the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center shows that 100% of Pennsylvania’s Lake Erie beaches tested in 2024 were found potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day. The findings come as part of the group’s annual "Safe for Swimming?" analysis, which reviews bacteria levels at recreational waters across the country.

The release follows multiple beach closures at Presque Isle in July due to elevated bacteria levels. The report’s authors point to the results as a call for stronger investment in water infrastructure and pollution control, especially as Congress debates funding for key programs aimed at reducing sewer overflows and runoff.

Among the eight beaches tested, Beach 11 at Presque Isle was identified as the most frequently affected, with high bacteria levels on 56% of testing days. Other beaches showing at least one day of elevated levels include:

   •Presque Isle: Beach 1, Beach 3 (Barracks Beach), Beach 6, Beach 8 (Pettinato Beach), Beach 9 (Pine Tree Beach), Beach 10 (Budny Beach)

   •Freeport Beach in North East Township

Researchers measured bacteria levels against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s most protective threshold, known as the Beach Action Value, which corresponds to an estimated illness rate of 32 per 1,000 swimmers. Contaminated waters can cause a range of health issues, including nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, and ear infections.

The report identifies sewage overflows and runoff pollution as primary contributors to the bacterial contamination and calls for updated infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center, said in the report that while beachgoers continue to enjoy Lake Erie’s shoreline, pollution continues to challenge water safety.

The group encourages the public to stay informed about local conditions. The report includes resources for tracking real-time beach advisories and closures in Pennsylvania.

For more details and to view the full report, visit pennenvironmentcenter.org.