Popular Swimming Beach Closed Until Further Notice in Arkansas

One of Arkansas' favorite swimming beaches at Lake Catherine State Park near Hot Springs has been temporarily closed until further notice.

The popular swimming beach has been closed due to elevated E. Coli levels, according to the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment, Division of Environmental Quality. The problem stems from a sanitary manhole sewer overflow from the collection systems along Gulpha Creek.

The manhole has been spewing waste into the water and the Arkansas Department of Health does routine tests at swimming beaches around the state, if high levels of E. Coli are found the beach is required to shut down.

The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment has also been working with the City of Hot Springs to clean up the affected areas and to continue to monitor the situation. It's believed after testing the water that E. Coli levels were detected to be 20 times higher than normal.

Park officials advise people who are camping at Lake Catherine State Park to stay away from the swimming beach until the problem is resolved. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment continues to work with the City of Hot Springs to monitor the situation and clean up the affected areas at the swim beach.

Check out these other Arkansas swimming beaches that have been closed here.