NEWS: Wake Closes Beaverdam Beach Due to High Bacteria Levels

7/1/2009

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

Acceptable levels of E. coli should not exceed 235 colony forming units (cfu) per 100 milliliter; 547.5 cfu per milliliter were found at Beaverdam Beach on Falls Lake during the most recent test.

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.

More information on recreational water illnesses can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

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