AMHERST — Swimming is not being allowed in the Fort River in the area of Stanley Street and the Wentworth Farm Conservation Area after high levels of E. coli bacteria continue to be detected in the water.
For the second week in a row, the water quality tests showed the presence of E. coli bacteria above state limits. The swimming hole will remain closed until at least June 29, when the next test results come in.
Last week, the north beach at Puffer’s Pond also showed similar contamination, but E. coli bacteria levels were back to normal this week.
Those looking for places to swim have the option of going to the pools at Mill River Recreation Area, which opened last week, while War Memorial Pool opens for the season on Saturday.
– SCOTT MERZBACH