July 14, 2005

Cornelius, NC- The "NO SWIMMING" advisory for a portion of Lake Cornelius 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 June 20.

The advisory was issued for an area of Lake Cornelius near 20198 Holiday Lane in Cornelius. An estimated 300 gallons of untreated sewage discharged to Lake Cornelius from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities (CMU) sewer line blocked with tree roots and grease. The "no swimming" advisory was issued due to elevated bacteria levels in the cove following the spill.

Water samples collected by MCWQP on July 12 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 says the advisory is a standard procedure. "Since Lake Cornelius is designated recreational waters, it was necessary to close the area because of the potential risk to public health," says Rozzelle.