Falls Lake swimming areas reopen

Wake County officials have reopened the recreational swimming areas at Beaverdam and Sandling beaches at Falls Lake after bacteria levels tested within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for two consecutive days, officials said Friday.

Posted 10:07 a.m. Jul 10, 2009 — Updated 9:40 p.m. Jul 10, 2009

RALEIGH, N.C. — Wake County officials have reopened the recreational swimming areas at Beaverdam and Sandling beaches at Falls Lake after bacteria levels tested within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for two consecutive days, officials said Friday.

The beaches at the lake were closed on July 7 to swimmers due to high levels of enterococci, which can cause infections and lead to diarrhea. Enterococci is typically found in the digestive tracts and feces of warm-blooded animals.

Sandling Beach was also closed for several days in May for the same reason, and Beaverdam Beach was previously closed as recently as June 29 and had reopened July 2.

Wake County Environmental Services officials said samples of these lakes are taken 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.

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