Lake Tahoe Beach Reopens Following Large Sewage Spill

One week after 85,000 gallons of untreated waste spilled near Lake Tahoe, resulting in a health advisory, affected areas have begun to reopen to the public.

The North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD) announced that after conducting extensive water quality tests at Patton Landing Beach and areas east of the original spill site, bacteria levels have returned to a normal range and meet California beach water quality standards.

As a result, Patton Landing Beach reopened to the public at 5 p.m. on Thursday. The health advisory area, initially put into effect by Placer County, has been reduced. It now covers the area between 5146 North Lake Blvd and 4600 North Lake Blvd.

Water quality tests at Carnelian West Beach continue to show elevated bacteria levels, keeping the beach closed through Sunday. “Residents and visitors are advised that contact with the lake water in the updated advisory area could cause illness due to elevated bacteria levels,” stated the NTPUD.

Officials will continue daily evaluations of the water quality and will lift or modify the health advisory after at least two days of data showing that bacteria levels are consistently below California’s beach water quality standards.