Wastewater contaminates Mountain Island Lake, officials issue 'no swimming' advisory

The 'no swimming' advisory will be in effect until water samples results become available on July 12. Photo: Mecklenburg County Public Information Department

CHARLOTTE, NC, JULY 11, 2017 -- A no swimming advisory has been issued for McDowell Creek Cove on Mountain Island Lake in North Carolina after approximately 58,000 gallons of partially treated wastewater entered the recreational area.

The overflow occurred when backup generators at the McDowell Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant failed to start following severe storms in the area, releasing the partially-treated wastewate rinto the lake on Saturday night, a local news outlet reports.

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services' Water Quality Program stated the no swimming advisory will be in effect until water sampling results become available July 12.