AURORA | City officials have reopened the swim area at the Aurora Reservoir after temporarily closing it earlier in the week after elevated bacteria levels were detected in the shallow water, city officials announced Thursday.
High levels of a different bacteria at Quincy Reservoir have resulted in a new warning there.
The Aurora Reservoir swim beach was open for the July 4 holiday.
“Like any untreated, natural body of water, levels of certain bacteria fluctuate,” city officials said in a social media post earlier in the week. “It cures itself naturally, but when the levels are elevated, it’s best not to swim.”
“Aurora Reservoir’s swim beach is closed due to E. coli,” according to Aurora Water spokesperson Rory Franklin. The rise in bacteria can be attributed to water fowl, other animals and even runoff from heavy rains.
Boating, kayaking and paddle boarding beyond the swim area were not restricted, officials said.
In June, city officials reduced weekend hours for the public at the reservoir and issued a ban on alcoholic beverages, citing unruly behavior at the venue.
“APD and PROS continue to collaborate on proactive and strategic enforcement solutions and are committed to ensuring that we have a safe and healthy environment at the Aurora Reservoir.
“In keeping with the current approach and to reinforce current gains, we will be keeping the temporary weekend hours and alcohol restrictions in place … for Thursday, July 4th,” according to city officials. The announcement was posted on social media by Councilmember Francoise Bergan. “Following a successful July 4th holiday, (reservoir officials) are comfortable expanding the reservoir hours back to 9:30 pm on weekends beginning July 6th.”
Whether alcohol would be permitted again wasn’t addressed. An official change in policy had not been announced on Friday morning.
City recreation officials say a recent infestation of cyanobacteria , also known as a blue-green algae bloom, has prompted warning and restrictions at Quincy Reservoir.
Swimming is never permitted at the reservoir, just boating and fishing. Officials warn visitors not to come into contact with the water at the facility, and especially water scum, foam and algae.
The reservoir remains open for fishing and boating.
Officials also warn visitors that pets, while not allowed at the reservoir, are effected by exposure to cytotoxins, a product of the cyanobacteria infestations.
Shsmeful that City Council’s solution to a crime problem is to prohibit the law abiding public from being able to access an amenity. They restrain the law abiding, not the criminals. Basicaly they have admitted failure at the central mission of City government which is to enforce law and order and to protect the law abiding.
I could not help but notice the herd of cows grazing on the hillside on the south easterly side of the second long bay on the reservior as I biked around it. they have been there for the lasst week, including during our last rain. Perhaps if the City purchased those grazing rights this would not happen. Also, I seem to recall that when those homes went in there was supposed to be a covenant restriction against fertilizing as the runoff might prove harmful to the water quality. Perhaps those covenants have been rescinded, or perhaps they are not being enforced given how green those home’s lawns are. Seems Council, through Code Enforcement could look into that. In the meantime perhaps Council can considerreopening the facility on weekend evenings and providing some law enforcement at the facility so that law abiding citizens can enjoy the amenity. Again, it is shameful that Council’s response to lawlessness is to restrict the law-abidding from enjoying the facility. We are talking a minimal number of hours it would need patroling and the Public Safety Training facility is right ouut there. Come on Council, get this done!