The shores of Lake Erie, bordering Cleveland, which had become contaminated because of combined sewer overflows, were made safe for swimming through the use of various interim techniques. These techniques were designed to keep beaches safe until long range goals such as an expanded sewage system can be implemented. The swimming areas at White City and Edgewater beaches were disinfected with sodium hypochlorite and enclosed by fabric barriers. The barriers provide protection from contamination of the beaches by floating debris and retarded the diffusion of disinfectant into deep waters. The other techniques which were attempted were: Streams and combined sewer overflows were screened and treated with sodium hypochlorite; Lateral sewers were flushed to reduce the 'first slug' effect; physical clean-up of the beaches and water were made; and polymers were used in an attempt to increase sewer flow and thereby decrease sewer overflows.