E. Coli Levels Lowered at Whiskeytown, Swimming Advisory Lifted
The park has asked visitors to help them keep the E. Coli levels down by not feeding the wildlife, using the designated bathrooms, cleaning up your trash when leaving and showering before and after leaving the water.
Earlier in the week, officials at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area announced that high levels of E. Coli were found at Brandy Creek Beach, effectively closing down any swimming in the area. Less than a week later, officials were able to quickly eradicate the problem and open the beach back up for swimming.
Although it’s not entirely clear why there were high levels of E. Coli in the water, it’s assumed that it was from the droppings of the Canada Geese that frequent the area. With cooler air temperatures, cooler water temperatures and officials attempting to limit the number of geese in the area, the E. Coli levels dropped considerably.
The park consulted with the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board, Shasta County Office of Public Health, and the regional National Park Service Public Health Officer, all of who concurred that the precautionary public advisory at Brandy Creek Beach should be lifted.
The park has asked visitors to help them keep the E. Coli levels down by not feeding the wildlife, using the designated bathrooms, cleaning up your trash when leaving and showering before and after leaving the water.
Here is the announcement from Whiskeytown National Recreation Area:
Brandy Creek Beach Swim Advisory Lifted!
With the super-busy holiday weekend behind us, cooler air temps, cooler waters, and less geese in the Brandy Creek Beach area (thanks to the post-holiday weekend lull in visitation), water quality levels have returned to their normal, high quality.
Whiskeytown staff conducted intensive water quality sampling throughout the Memorial Day weekend and into this week for the health and safety of our visitors. Sampling after Monday showed that the elevated levels which led to the release of a swimming advisory have dissipated. The park consulted with the Central Valley Water Quality Control Board, Shasta County Office of Public Health, and the regional National Park Service Public Health Officer, all of who concurred that the precautionary public advisory at Brandy Creek Beach should be lifted.
How can we prevent this from happening again during a busy, hot, summer weekend at Brandy Creek Beach? With your help!
• Don’t feed wildlife!
• Don’t leave food unattended.
• Pick up any food scraps after picnicking.
• Use the restrooms provided.
• Shower before and after swimming.
• Access the lake from areas other than the most popular beaches.
By taking these actions, we can help improve water quality – if they geese aren’t fed or don’t steal human food, they won’t congregate on the popular beaches, leading to less goose poop in the water, and higher water quality.
Take these actions, and help keep Whiskeytown’s beaches safe, clean, and open!
