Southwestern Pa. beach closures highlight summer water quality, E. coli risks

Chloe Kruse always checks Facebook or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ website before she packs a beach bag for Crooked Creek Lake in Burrell Township, Armstrong County.

“It was actually closed last week for a few days because of the water testing,” said Kruse, 37, of Ford City, as she caught some rays on a recent afternoon. “They’re really good about letting people know when the beach is closed.”

Kruse is right to check ahead. The regional swimming season is underway in Southwestern Pennsylvania, and water quality issues have already triggered beach closures and widespread failed water tests at popular recreation spots.