PHILIPSTOWN, N.Y. – The beaches at Cortlandt Lake in Continental Village, a once-popular summer retreat shared by the towns of Philipstown, Putnam Valley, and Cortlandt, have been officially closed following alarming water quality reports.
The Putnam County Health Department ordered the closure after detecting high levels of fecal bacteria and harmful algal blooms in the lake — raising serious health concerns for swimmers and the broader community.
Unsafe Water Conditions Confirmed
During a recent Philipstown Town Board meeting, members of the Continental Village Park District board reported troubling findings: fecal coliform levels in the lake were measured at 30 times the acceptable limit for recreational use. Additionally, two water sources feeding into the lake — Canopus Creek and Spy Pond — also showed contamination levels at 10 times the safe threshold.
These levels pose a clear public health risk and violate state safety standards for swimming and water-based activities.
Septic Systems Blamed for Contamination
Health officials point to failing residential septic systems as the likely source of the contamination. Many of the homes surrounding the lake were originally constructed as seasonal cottages and have since been converted into year-round residences. However, their outdated or inadequate septic systems are no longer capable of supporting consistent, full-time use.
With untreated or poorly treated wastewater seeping into the groundwater and nearby water bodies, bacteria such as fecal coliform have increasingly infiltrated the lake.
Towns to Convene for Urgent Discussion
The Town of Philipstown is now planning a joint meeting with Putnam Valley and Cortlandt officials to discuss the situation and identify a path forward. The goal will be to address not only the current contamination and beach closure, but also the long-term environmental risks posed by aging infrastructure.
“Residents and visitors alike deserve clean, safe water,” one official noted. “This is no longer just about summer recreation. It’s about public health, environmental stewardship, and how our communities respond together.”
Next Steps
Key issues likely to be addressed in the upcoming meetings include:
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Assessment and remediation of failing septic systems
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Funding options for large-scale infrastructure upgrades
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Public education on septic maintenance and water quality
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Ongoing water testing and environmental monitoring
Until further notice, the beach at Cortlandt Lake will remain closed to the public. Officials are urging residents to avoid contact with the lake water, particularly young children, pets, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
A Wake-Up Call for Long-Term Planning
The beach closure underscores a larger issue facing many older communities in the Hudson Valley: aging infrastructure meeting modern usage demands. What once sufficed for occasional summer occupancy is now failing under the pressure of year-round residential use — with potentially dangerous consequences.
The towns involved hope that by working together, they can not only restore the safety and beauty of Cortlandt Lake, but also prevent similar issues in neighboring communities.
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