August 24, 2005

Charlotte, NC - A "NO SWIMMING" advisory has been issued for an area of Lake Cornelius in Davidson adjacent to Davidson Street. The Mecklenburg County Water Quality Program (MCWQP) and the Mecklenburg County Health Department issued the advisory on Wednesday, August 24 following the detection of elevated bacteria levels in the lake.

The "no swimming" advisory is in effect for the cove between Davidson Street and Catawba Avenue in Davidson. The remainder of the lake is not affected.

The advisory is being issued as a result of elevated bacteria levels that were detected during routine water sampling near the Lake Norman YMCA. The large amount of geese and ducks in the cove are thought to be the source of the elevated bacteria levels.

MCWQP will continue to monitor bacteria levels in the cove until they fall below 200-colonies/100 ml, which is the level considered safe for swimming. Once these lower levels are reached, the no swimming advisory will be lifted. The affected lake areas will be posted with "no swimming" signs and buoys for the duration of the advisory.