Swim advisories have been issued for two areas in Orange County’s largest residential neighborhood just days ahead of one of the biggest holidays of the summer.
On Monday, Lake of the Woods officials announced swim advisories for two areas–Keaton’s Lake Boat Launch and Cove and Flat Run Forebay Cove. The two areas have exceeded acceptable E.coli levels. According to the samples collected Aug. 24, the E.coli concentration in the affected Keaton’s Lake area is 313 MPN/100mL and in the Flat Run Forebay Cove area 248.1 MPN/100mL. An MPN (most probable number) is similar to a CFU (colony forming unit). The threshold, according to the Virginia Department of Health, for issuing a beach swim advisory is 235 CFU/100mL.
Swimmers in both areas are advised to engage in water activities at their own risk until test results confirm lower E.coli levels. The advisories will remain in place until further notice.
Keaton’s Lake was closed for a portion of August due to harmful algae blooms. The closure was downgraded to a swim advisory Aug. 20 and lifted Aug. 26.
