E. coli levels close 4 swimming sites at Arkansas lakes

Swimming areas on four Arkansas lakes have been closed temporarily because of E. coli concerns, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said.

Swim beaches closed until further notice include Piney Bay on Lake Dardanelle, Waveland on Blue Mountain Lake and Bidwell Point on Norfork Lake, according to advisories. The Coon Creek swimming area on Gillham Lake, shuttered May 16, remained closed Wednesday.

Officials say the closures are because of "higher than acceptable E. coli levels" found during routine testing by the state Department of Health.

Signs have been posted indicating high bacteria levels, according to the Corps. The beaches will reopen once the levels are in an acceptable range.

The Jefferson Ridge Park swim beach on Dierks Lake, which had closed earlier this month because of high bacteria levels from goose droppings, has reopened.

State Desk on 05/24/2018

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