3 city beaches have swimming advisories

LACONIA — Three of the city’s beaches had fecal bacteria advisories as of Friday afternoon. 

Test results from samples taken earlier this week indicate the presence of fecal bacteria at Weirs Beach, Bond Beach and Opechee Cove, according to Laconia Parks & Recreation staff. 

Results returned Friday.

Parks & Rec staff samples beaches once a month. Locations sampled include Weirs Beach, Bond Beach, Bartlett Beach, and both beaches on Lake Opechee. 

When a bacteria advisory is issued for a beach, it doesn’t close the beach, but is meant to serve as a warning against potential health risks. 

A clean sample is defined by a bacteria result lower than 88 parts per 100 mL, the state benchmark, according to New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services staff.

If two sample results from one location are above the state standard, or if any one sample is above 158 parts per 100 mL, an advisory is issued. When a beach is under an advisory, signs are posted at entrances. Signs are removed when sample results indicate bacteria levels below the state standard.

For information about water advisories statewide, visit the NHDES Healthy Swimming Mapper at des.nh.gov/water/healthy-swimming/healthy-swimming-mapper.