The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District announced today that the swimming area at Hop Brook Lake in Middlebury, Conn., will remain closed until further notice.

The closure is the result of water quality testing which indicate that bacteria levels in the lake exceed Connecticut State Standards

The beach was originally closed July 1, 2024, as a precautionary measure based on anticipated water quality problems due to an increase in pool level, increased water turbidity, heavy rainfall, and run-off received on June 30. Based on historical data, water quality problems have previously developed in the lake as a result of heavy amounts of rainfall over short periods of time.

USACE will test the swimming area regularly and reopen the beach when test results are satisfactory, but the swimming area will at least remain closed through the Fourth of July holiday and upcoming weekend.

The majority of the Hop Brook Lake recreation area remains open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for picnicking, hiking and other recreational activities.

For more information, call (203) 729-8840 or visit the Hop Brook Lake website at https://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Hop-Brook-Lake/.

# # #