The Lake Lanier Association is actively helping ensure a safe, enjoyable visit to the lake this Memorial Day weekend, with updated water test results showing its high quality. Executive Director of the Lake Lanier Association, Amy McGuire, proudly states that the reports show the Lake Lanier water standards are of the highest quality present. The Lake Lanier Association tests the lake’s water quality at 27 sites throughout the year, checking for things like E.Coli, turbidity, and toxic blue-green algae. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency explains that more than 235 MPN per 100 mL of E. Coli is considered a high health risk, but the recent results of Lake Lanier testing present no threats for swimmers.
Amy McGuire, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association, proudly asserted that Lake Lanier is not dirty, as some have suggested. According to McGuire, the lake’s water standards are of the highest quality.
The Lake Lanier Association tests the lake’s water quality at 27 sites throughout the year, checking for E.Coli, turbidity, and other potential hazards, such as toxic blue-green algae. Those visiting the lake this Memorial Day weekend need not worry, as the recent test results are highly encouraging.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, E. Coli is the most reliable indicator of fecal contamination and water safety, making it the number one human health risk. The most probable number technique, a statistical method of estimating bacteria concentration in water, suggests that more than 235 MPN per 100 mL is considered high. Thankfully, the Lake Lanier Association’s results shows that the lake is safe for swimming, with no indication of dangerous levels of E. Coli.
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper’s Neighborhood Water Watch website allows individuals to check their local water quality, giving people the assurance that they can safely enjoy the lake.
Lake Lanier’s water quality can change rapidly, as evidenced by the difference in results from the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Steven Emery, the park manager. Emery noted that tests are a snapshot in time and that water quality can change drastically in just a couple of days, emphasizing the importance of regular testing to identify any potential issues. He further commented that if the results remain high for consecutive weeks, then further research may be necessary to pinpoint the cause.
Despite this, Don Carter State Park and 18 other beaches around Lake Lanier, including Buford Dam Park, Old Federal Day Use Park, Burton Mill Park and Duckett Mill Campground, have shown remarkable cleanliness. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Mike Axton have been commended for their efforts in ensuring the water quality is safe for recreational use.
In addition to conducting E. Coli tests from March to September, the Corps also reminds visitors to avoid swimming after a heavy rain and not feed the geese to help preserve water quality. Officials are also urging those with compromised immune systems or open wounds to stay out of the lake for up to three days after heavy rains.
Linda MacGregor, Gainesville’s Director of Water Resources, is proud to have taken the necessary actions to ensure that Lake Lanier remains one of the cleanest and safest bodies of water in Georgia.
MacGregor mentioned that the E. coli found in the lake rarely originates from wastewater treatment plants and is mostly due to other sources. The permits for Lake Lanier are some of the most stringent in the state, with biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) limits set at 2.5, as opposed to other facilities that only have a limit of 30.
After touring wastewater treatment plants in Gwinnett and Forsyth last week, MacGregor was proud to report that the water quality of both facilities exceeded her expectations. She also commended Hall County for their commitment to reduce trash in the lake, noting that they have been very proactive in protecting the lake’s ecosystem. Next week, MacGregor will be touring Hall county’s water treatment plant for further inspection.
To summarize, Lake Lanier is an exceptionally clean and safe body of water. The executive director of the Lake Lanier Association has proudly stated that its water standards are among the highest quality, with test results showing no indication of dangerous levels of E. Coli. All these facts make Lake Lanier a great spot to visit this Memorial Day weekend and a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy watersports, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
