June 2, 2005

Charlotte, NC- The "NO SWIMMING" advisory for a portion of Lake Wylie 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 Tuesday, May 24, 2005.

The advisory was issued for an area of Lake Wylie downstream of Long Creek between Highway 27 and Interstate 85.  An estimated 739,584 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into Long Creek and subsequently into Lake Wylie from a broken sewer line owned/operated by Charlotte Mecklenburg Utilities.  The "no swimming advisory" was issued due to elevated bacteria levels in the cove following the spill.

Water samples collected by MCWQP on May 31 revealed that the levels of fecal coliform bacteria are within acceptable levels.  Sampling results revealed levels of fecal coliform bacteria less than 100 colonies/100 ml., well within the limits of safe swimming.  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.  "Since Lake Wylie is designated recreational waters, it was necessary to close the area because of the potential risk to public health," says Rozzelle.