FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    Alise Flanjack, Lee County Parks & Recreation
                (941) 461-7451

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 24, 2001) – The swimming area at Lakes Regional Park has been closed again due to water quality testing showing elevated bacteria counts.

Test results today indicate that the beach water quality does not meet the bacteriological standard for enterococci bacteria. According to the Department of Health, the test results indicate that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease, particularly for susceptible individuals.

The average reading from two samples collected on Monday was 234 cfu/100mL. The standard in Chapter 64E-9, F.A.C., is 61 cfu/100mL.

The swimming area has been closed since Sunday due to the inclement weather and to await the test results. The swimming area was closed last week for two days because of elevated bacteria levels.

The Health Department samples and tests the water weekly to ensure it is safe for swimming. Another sample will be taken Wednesday with results due sometime Thursday afternoon.

The higher counts are likely due to runoff from the recent heavy rains.

For more information, residents can contact the Health Department’s Environmental Engineering section at 939-4245.

The swimming beach will remain closed until the Health Department determines it is safe again to swim.

The water playground near the beach remains open because its water comes from the potable water system and is further treated to the standards governing public swimming pools.