Two Arkansas Swim Beaches Closed as E. coli Contamination Spikes

With the Memorial Day holiday weekend coming up, many Americans will be hitting the lakes for what could be a jam-packed summer season. However, two swimming beaches in Central Arkansas have been closed due to contamination.

Beaverfork Lake

According to a report from KARK-TV, the Beaverfork Lake Park public swimming beach is now closed for elevated levels of E. coli. The Arkansas Department of Health monitors E. Coli levels, and if levels become higher than 126 per 100 ml. samples must be taken until the levels drop and the water is safe for swimmers. While the swim beach may be closed, boating and fishing remain open in the northern Conway.

Waveland Park

The Army Corps of Engineers closed another popular swim beach at Waveland Park on Blue Mountain in northwest Arkansas on Friday due to high levels of E. coli.

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Health say this is not the first time these beaches have been closed. The main factor is Canadian geese, which graze on the beaches, causing the rise in E. coli each year. Other animals and the overabundance of feral swine contribute to the problem, and humans feeding the geese keep them from moving on.

Stay alert to the latest updates and closings before planning your trip this Memorial weekend.

For information, visit the ADH website.

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