ROGERS, Ark. — Update as of May 24: Officials confirm that all beaches except Dam Site Island Campground have been reopened after further testing.
On May 17, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced the closure of ten different beaches at Beaver Lake after "higher than acceptable" levels of E. coli were found during routine testing.
"We do four tests a year," Deputy Operations Manager for Beaver Lake Jared Trammell said. "Two before Memorial Day, one before July 4, and one before Labor Day, and those are submitted to the state of Arkansas to the health department to check E.coli levels in the water in the swim areas."
This comes about nine months after one beach was closed down for over two weeks due to unacceptable levels of E. coli in August 2023.
Beaver Lake beaches that were closed between May 17 - 24:
- Hickory Creek
- Horseshoe Bend Campground
- Indian Creek
- Lost Bridge South
- Prairie Creek
- Rocky Branch Day Use
- Rocky Branch Campground
- Dam Site Island
- War Eagle
- Horseshoe Bend Day Use Area
USACE confirms that the beaches at Lost Bridge North and the Dam Site Day Use Area remained open the whole time, and as of May 24, all beaches besides the Dam Site Island have been reopened.
According to USACE, park rangers retested on May 20 and 21, and the water showed bacterial levels at an acceptable range.
"The beaches that are closed, they are are not available for this weekend," Trammell said. "Hopefully we'll be able to get those tested early this next week and get those open for the Memorial Day Weekend."
Trammell also added that the lake levels are high, and people should remain aware and cautious while out on the water.
"Just be cautious of floating debris with the lake that's come up over the last couple of weeks," Trammell said. "Have a float plan, you know, let people know where you're going in case there are any emergencies, be aware of hazards on the water, and always wear life jackets."
Park Rangers with USACE have posted signs warning of the bacteria levels and will test the waters regularly until they go down.
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