June 2, 2003

LAKE NORMAN: NO SWIMMING ADVISORY LIFTED

Charlotte, NC- The NO SWIMMING advisory issued on Thursday, May 29, 2003 for a portion of Lake Norman has been lifted. 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 23.

The advisory was issued when an estimated 5,250 gallons of raw sewage was discharged to a cove adjacent to Bustle Road off Meta Road in the Peninsula Community on Lake Norman from a malfunctioning 8-inch force main operated by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities. The "no swimming advisory" was issued due to concerns associated with elevated bacteria levels in the cove following the spill.

Water samples collected by MCWQP on May 30 revealed that the levels of fecal coliform bacteria are within acceptable levels. Sampling results revealed levels of fecal coliform bacteria less than 200 colonies/100 ml., which is the level considered safe for swimming.

Water Quality Program Manager Rusty Rozzelle said the advisory is a standard procedure. "Since Lake Norman is designated recreational waters, it was necessary to close the area because of the potential risk to public health," says Rozzelle.