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E. coli levels prompt swim beach closing at Gilliam Lake

Higher than acceptable levels of E. coli were found during routine testing by the Arkansas Department of Health, possibly caused by heavy amount of goose droppings.
Credit: Jim Nelson / EyeEm
Canada Geese Flying Against Trees

ASHDOWN, Ark. (KTHV) - UPDATE: The Dierks Lake swim beach has been re-opened.

ORIGINAL: The Corps of Engineers' Millwood Project Office said they are temporarily closing the swim beaches on Dierks and Gilliam lakes until further notice.

The closures of Jefferson Ridge Park East Swim Beach on Dierks Lake and Coon Creek Swim Beach on Gilliam Lake are due to higher than acceptable levels of E. coli that were found during routine testing conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health.

The ADH said the high levels of bacteria could be a result of a heavy amount of goose droppings.

Officials said that people are feeding the geese, acclimating them to human activity. The geese then expect to be fed when they see people. Officials ask visitors not to feed the geese.

Additionally, geese are in the molting period this time of year and can't fly, leading to higher concentration in these areas.

To check when the areas reopen, call the Millwood Tri-Lakes Project Office at 870-898-3343, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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