NEWS: Wake Closes Lake Wheeler Beach Area Due to High Bacteria Levels
9/1/2009
Wake County has closed the recreational beach area at Lake Wheeler due to elevated levels of bacteria, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The County routinely tests recreational lakes for bacteria, including Enterococci. County staff suggests that citizens call their recreational lake facilities to find out if they are open to swimming or visit the Wake County Recreational Waters Web site.
When bacteria levels exceed EPA standards the area is closed to “primary contact recreation,” which is any activity where your head may go underwater. Affected activities at the Lake Wheeler beach area include kayaking and Sunfish sail boating, as well as wind surfing lessons. The city of Raleigh prohibits swimming at Lake Wheeler. However, the lake will remain open to fishing, water skiing, tubing and other boat rental opportunities. After two consecutive days of bacteria levels that fall below the EPA’s established standards, the area will be reopened for recreation.
Acceptable levels of Enterococci should not exceed 61 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters. Acceptable levels of E. coli should not exceed 235 colony forming units per 100 milliliters. The following amounts were found:
Citizens are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, and thoroughly shower after swimming, tubing or skiing in area lakes to reduce chances of contracting a recreational water illness. More information on recreational water illnesses can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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