May 23, 2002

LAKE WYLIE NO SWIMMING ADVISORY LIFTED           

Charlotte, NC— The swimming advisory for a portion of Lake Wylie near the River Pointe subdivision has been cancelled.  The Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program (MCWQP) and the Mecklenburg County Health Department advises that the bacteria danger to swimmers has passed after a sewage spill on May 19, 2002. 

The advisory was issued for the swimming and beach area along a 500-foot portion of shoreline in a cove near 16001 River Point Drive in the River Pointe community off Highway 49. An estimated 8,000-9,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled from a sewage collection system operated by Carolina Water Service, a private utility company. After sampling the water shortly after the spill, the Water Quality Program detected elevated levels of fecal coliform bacteria and imposed the “no swimming” advisory.  

Water samples collected by MCWQP on Tuesday, May 21, revealed that the levels of fecal coliform bacteria are now at acceptable levels.  Sampling results revealed levels of fecal coliform bacteria less than 100 Colonies/100 ml.   Levels greater than 200 Colonies/100 ml are considered unsafe for swimming.  

Water Quality Program Manager Rusty Rozzelle said the advisory is a standard procedure.  "It was necessary to close the area to recreation because of the potential risk to public health as Lake Wylie is designated as recreational waters,” said Rozzelle. “We are pleased that the bacteria levels have returned to a normal range."