MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. – A no swimming advisory was issued today for McDowell Creek Cove on Mountain Island Lake.
The advisory was issued after close to 3,000 gallons of mostly treated wastewater was discharged into the lake from the Charlotte Water McDowell Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant on Neck Road in Huntersville.
The plant malfunction was due to a brief power outage to a part of the ultraviolet disinfection system. Charlotte Water has repaired the electrical issue and the plant has returned to normal operations, according to officials.
Water quality monitoring in the cove is being conducted by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services staff. Initial results are due Tuesday morning, officials said.
Sampling will continue until readings of levels of fecal coliform bacteria are below 200-colonies/100 ml, which is the level determined to be safe for swimming. When sampling tests confirm acceptable bacterial levels, the no-swimming advisory will be lifted, according to officials.
Rusty Rozzelle, Water Quality program manager for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services, said the advisories are standard procedure.
"It was necessary to close the areas to swimming because of the potential risk to human health."
