NEWS: Wake Closes Lake Swimming Areas Due to High Bacteria Levels

5/22/2009

Wake County has closed recreational swimming areas at Sandline Beach and Camp Kanata due to elevated levels of bacteria, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The County routinely tests recreational lakes for bacteria, including Enterococci and E coli. When bacteria levels exceed EPA standards, the area is closed to "primary contact recreation," which is swimming or any activity where your head may go underwater. The County samples the lakes weekly each summer.

"We are trying to prevent people from getting sick, so we'll keep sampling and reopen the lakes for swimming as soon as the levels return to normal," said Wake County Environmental Services Director Tommy Esqueda. "Two consecutive acceptable samples are required to reopen the lakes, which could be as soon as this weekend."

The following lakes and swimming areas are currently closed due to unsafe bacterial levels:

• Sandline Beach at Falls Lake State Recreational Area
• Camp Kanata Lake

These lakes are not closed to fishing. County staff suggests that citizens call their recreational lake facilities to find out if they are open to swimming. Citizens are also reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, and thoroughly shower after swimming, tubing or skiing in area lakes.

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