Surry Mountain Lake beach advisory to stay in place as rain delays new test results

The Army Corps said it will release another update after testing resumes and new results are available.

Swimmers at Surry Mountain Lake Beach will need to wait at least through this week before officials reassess water quality, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers pushed back additional testing because heavy rain is expected.

Christie Baker, who oversees the Otter Brook and Surry Mountain lakes project for the Corps, said in a Tuesday email that crews will not collect new samples this week. She said the forecasted storms would likely prevent any meaningful improvement in the results, and regular monitoring is expected to pick up again early next week.

The latest samples already showed bacteria levels remaining above New Hampshire standards for safe swimming, extending the advisory that has been in place since July 9. Initial routine testing on that date found contamination beyond the state limit, and later checks have continued to come back above the threshold.

Officials have linked the problem to Canada geese and their young spending time around the lake. Baker previously said the birds have been present in large numbers, creating an ongoing challenge for managing the water quality issue.

The restriction applies only to the designated swimming beach. Other recreation areas and park facilities at Surry Mountain Lake are still open.

New Hampshire environmental officials warn that goose waste can carry bacteria and parasites that may cause illness, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and skin irritation. Canada geese are protected by federal law, so they cannot be harmed, captured or killed without permission.

The Army Corps said it will release another update after testing resumes and new results are available.