July 29, 2010

According to Lake Monticello officials, an overflow from a manhole is to blame for the closing of Beach 5 in the community. Aqua Virginia says the overflow was caused by a blockage in the system, and raw sewage from the flow contaminated lake water and a nearby stream.

Routine water quality testing performed by the Lake Preservation Committee showed bacteria levels at the beach exceeded state standards for safe swimming. While Lake Monticello officials say Aqua Virginia has cleaned up the mess, things were not quite back to normal Thursday afternoon, which is why the beach remained closed.

Signs and barricades were posted to warn residents of the dangerous swimming conditions.

Residents are left to wait for normal water quality levels to return before taking a dip, but some say they're concerned the problem will not be contained to the Beach #5 area.

"It's water, so if it's at Beach 5 [Thursday], where's it going to be tomorrow? Even if there's no more that goes into the lake, where's it going to be tomorrow? We need to take care of it," said Chris Williams.

Lake officials say the problem is now out of their hands. Any residents with questions are instructed to call Aqua Virginia at 877-987-2782.