NEWS: Wake Reopens Lake Wheeler Beach Area

8/8/2009

Wake County has reopened the beach area at Lake Wheeler. The beach was closed August 4, 2009, due to elevated levels of Enterococci and E. Coli bacteria, but was reopened today, August 8, 2009, after bacteria levels tested within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for two consecutive days.

The County routinely tests recreational lakes for bacteria and when levels exceed EPA standards, the area is closed to “primary contact recreation,” which includes swimming or any activity where a person’s head may go underwater. At the Lake Wheeler beach area this includes, kayak and Sunfish sail boat rentals as well as wind surfing lessons. Fishing, water skiing, tubing, and other boat rental opportunities remained open during the “primary contact recreation” closure. The county samples these lakes weekly each summer.

Citizens are reminded to always wash their hands with soap and water, and thoroughly shower after swimming , tubing or skiing in lakes.

For the latest information on temporary closures and reopenings of beaches and lakes in the County due to elevated bacteria levels, citizens are asked to visit the Wake County Recreational Waters Web site at WakeGOV.com/water/recreationalwater

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