MUNCIE, IN — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir has reopened to swimmers in time for the July 4 holiday weekend.
City officials had closed the beach on June 26 as a result of “elevated levels of microcystins, a toxin produced by blue-green algae.”
In a news release issued on Thursday, July 3, officials said that cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) levels “have dropped to 5.5 micrograms per liter — well within the U.S. (Environmental Protection Agency’s) safe threshold of 8.”
“This improvement was achieved without chemical treatment, due in part to the proactive decision to temporarily close the beach last week,” the release said.
While a treatment plan using Cutrine Plus — a product approved by the EPA — remains in place, its application was delayed due to permitting requirements from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
The treatment is now expected to occur early in the week of July 6, and poses no risk to public health. Swimming will remain safe both before and during the treatment process.
The city’s release noted the situation had no impact on “the quality or safety of the drinking water sourced from Prairie Creek Reservoir.”
“The drinking water supply is treated and monitored separately under stringent state and federal guidelines, and there has been no detection of contaminants or risk to public health,” the release said.
“We are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors back to Prairie Creek Beach for the holiday weekend,” Mayor Dan Ridenour said. “The safety of our community and those who travel to enjoy this incredible natural resource is always our top priority.”
The city will host the Ironman 70.3 triathlon at and near the reservoir on July 12.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Prairie Creek Reservoir beach reopens for swimming in time for Independence Day weekend
Reporting by Star Press / Muncie Star Press
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