Welcome to Colchester's

2011 Water Quality Website for Malletts Bay

Archival Test Data is now available for: 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Call (802) 264-5628 to report any Water Quality or Storm Water issues

Have Swimmer's Itch? Learn more here

     Again in the summer of 2011 the Town of Colchester was testing the water along its 27 miles of shoreline in Malletts Bay and the Broadlake. Our goal was to keep beachgoers informed of water safety conditions and identify possible problem sources of harmful bacteria.

Twelve water samples from nine different sites were tested twice a week for the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. Coli). E. Coli is a very effective indicator for the possible presence of more harmful bacteria that can cause human health problems such as gastrointestinal dysfunction (gastroenteritis). The Vermont State Health Department recommends not swimming in water where E. Coli levels are higher than 77 colony forming units (CFU) per 100 milliliters of water. Vermont is one of the most stringent states in the nation with a National Standard of 125 CFU. Readings marked in RED on this site indicate water samples with E.Coli levels higher than 77 CFU/100mL.

The nine sites tested on a regular basis in 2011 were the same as in the past few years and allowed us to maintain consistency in our data collection. Other sites may be added for short-term testing due to specific conditions. In 2011 the following site was added:

#2 - Broadlake Road, due to concern that the flooding from the Winooski River was elevating E.Coli levels above those at the Horizon View site

Bayside Beach and Rossetti Natural Area: multiple samples were taken each testing day. If two or more samples had unsafe E. Coli levels, the affected beach was closed until new tests came back with safe counts. Signs indicating that the water was unsafe for swiming were posted at each beach, and our hotline (802-264-5628) was updated. THIS WEBSITE IS UPDATED LATE IN THE DAY. SWIMMERS SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE BEACH OR HOTLINE FOR MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION.

AS A GENERAL RULE: Swimmers should always stay clear of streams and areas where streams and storm drains flow into the lake. A distance of at least 100 feet is advised. Swimmers should also avoid swimming after rainfall for at least 1 to 2 days.

      If you have any questions or comments, please call Steffen Parker, Water Quality Coordinator,
at (802) 264-5628 or email him at sparker@colchestervt.gov.