Wake County Closes Lakes Due to High Bacteria Levels

7/14/2006

Wake County has closed several recreational lakes to swimming due to elevated levels of bacteria, based on EPA standards. As part of the County's Recreational Water Quality program, routine testing for two types of bacteria -- Enterococci and E coli -- indicates when there may be elevated levels of other types of bacteria in recreational lakes, as well. When these levels exceed the standard, 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 are OK," said Wake County Environmental Services Director Rick Rowe. Two consecutive acceptable samples are required to reopen the lakes, which could be as soon as this weekend.

Lakes that are currently closed due to bacterial levels are Lake Wheeler, Silver Lake and New Life Camp. 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, and to always wash hands with soap and water and thoroughly shower after swimming, tubing or skiing in area lakes.

[UPDATE: Lake Wheeler and Silver Lake reopened over the weekend.]

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