The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources closed Beltzville State Park in Carbon County to swimming today for the fifth time this summer due to high bacteria levels found in a water sample taken on Monday.

According to Terry Brady, deputy press secretary of the DCNR, water samples are taken daily, and the park's reopening depends on an acceptable result from the samples.The standard bacteria level is determined by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.Previously, Brady said a number of factors make the lake prone to high bacteria counts.The recent rain may have caused runoff from nearby farms to travel into the lake, affecting the water's nutrients.Also, excrement from the abundance of geese around the lake can contribute to bacteria levels.The situation becomes worse when the weather is hot and sunny because the lake is located in an open area, causing the water's temperature to rise.In order to keep the water as clean as possible, littering is strongly discouraged, and the park posts signs to educate people on proper etiquette when visiting the lake.Signs are posted at the beach until it opens again.Other activities such as hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating will proceed as usual.