NEWS: Wake County Closes Lake Wheeler Beach Due to High Bacteria Levels

8/4/2009

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 and E.Coli.

When bacteria levels exceed EPA standards the area is closed to "primary contact recreation," which is any activity where your head may go underwater. At the Lake Wheeler beach area, this includes swimming, kayaking, Sunfish sail boating and wind surfing.

The city of Raleigh prohibits swimming at Lake Wheeler. However, the lake is not closed to fishing, water skiing, paddle boating or tubing.

"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 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:

Enterococci 66.3 cfu

E. Coli 325.5 cfu

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. 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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