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Several factors contribute to high E. coli levels at Beach 11, including shallow water, limited circulation, boat traffic, and geese.

Park officials plan to address the geese issue and dredge the sandbar to improve water circulation.

Presque Isle State Park officials will know within the next week whether swimming will be permitted once again this summer at Beach 11.

Swimming has been restricted at the popular beach since July 15 because of consistently high levels of E. coli, the bacterium that is a strong indicator of sewage or animal waste. It can cause gastrointestinal illness and skin infections in humans.

"Next week's water samples will tell the story," said Matt Greene, the park's operations manager. "It's pretty much a long shot, but we are going to try."

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