NEWS: Wake County Closes Beaverdam, Sandling Beaches Due to High Bacteria Levels

7/7/2009

Wake County has closed the recreational swimming areas at Beaverdam Beach and Sandling Beach at Falls Lake due to elevated levels of bacteria, based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. The County routinely tests recreational lakes for bacteria, including enterocci. 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.

"Our goal is to eliminate the potential for citizens to come into contact with excessive levels of bacteria, as that could result in creating illness conditions. We will continue to collect water samples on a daily basis for the area and reopen the lake for swimming as soon as the bacteria levels fall below the EPA-established standards," said Wake County Environmental Services Director Tommy Esqueda. "After we observe two consecutive days of acceptable bacteria levels, the area will be reopened for recreation."

Acceptable levels of enterocci should not exceed 60 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliters. The following amounts were found:

Beaverdam Beach East -- 88.2 cfu

Beaverdam Beach West -- 135.4 cfu

Sandling Beach North -- 72.8 cfu

Sandling Beach South -- 108.6 cfu

The lake is not closed to fishing and other swimming areas at Falls Lake will remain open. 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 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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