Little Rock, AR – As Arkansas gears up for the summer swimming season, several public beaches across the state remain closed due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria and lingering effects of recent flooding, according to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). The closures, which began ahead of Memorial Day weekend 2025, have impacted popular recreational spots, disappointing residents and visitors eager to enjoy the state’s lakes and rivers.
Affected Beaches and Causes
As of May 19, 2025, the ADH reported that 10 public swimming beaches were closed, with specific closures attributed to E. coli contamination and high water levels from heavy rainfall in April and early May. Notable closures include:
- Bull Shoals Lake: Beaches at Bull Shoals are closed due to E. coli contamination, likely linked to environmental factors.
- Norfork Lake: Swimming areas at Norfork are shuttered for similar bacterial concerns.
- Blue Mountain Lake: The public beach here is closed due to elevated E. coli levels.
- Beaver Lake: Three beaches in Northwest Arkansas, including Waveland Swim Beach, are closed primarily due to high water levels from flooding, though bacterial risks are also under monitoring.
- Beaverfork Lake Park (Conway): The public swim beach was closed on May 16, 2025, after tests revealed high E. coli levels, though boating and fishing remain open.
The ADH identified Canada geese as a frequent culprit for E. coli contamination, noting that their droppings on beaches contribute significantly to bacterial spikes. “It’s always around Memorial Day weekend, so we undoubtedly have two or three or four, maybe more to get caught up in it, and a lot of it is because of geese that are flying around, and they nest and land on the beaches,” said Jay Woods with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Feral swine, human activity, and runoff from nearby livestock farms can also exacerbate the issue, particularly after heavy rains that wash contaminants into water bodies.
Health Risks of E. Coli
E. coli bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans, can cause serious illness when ingested through contaminated water. Symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, fever, and dehydration, typically appearing three to four days after exposure. Most people recover within five to seven days without treatment, but vulnerable groups—such as children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems—face a higher risk of complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure. The ADH advises against swimming in closed areas to avoid these health risks.
Impact on Arkansas Communities
The beach closures have disrupted plans for Arkansas residents, particularly in areas like Conway and Northwest Arkansas, where lakes are central to summer recreation. “It’s frustrating to see Beaverfork closed right when the weather’s getting warm,” said a Conway resident on X, echoing sentiments of disappointment. The closures also affect local economies, as campgrounds near some lakes, such as those at Bull Shoals, have also been shut down due to flooding, reducing tourism revenue during a peak season.
The timing is particularly challenging, as Arkansas’s lakes draw thousands of visitors for Memorial Day and summer weekends. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages many of the affected lakes, noted that high water levels from recent floods have delayed reopenings, and the ADH’s ongoing water testing adds uncertainty to timelines. “I really couldn’t give you a time, because it’s all up to the Department of Health,” Woods said.
Ongoing Monitoring and Reopening Efforts
The ADH conducts regular water quality tests to monitor E. coli levels, with results determining when beaches can safely reopen. Testing conducted the week before Memorial Day 2025 confirmed the closures, and officials are awaiting new results to assess progress. The public can check the latest list of closed beaches on the ADH website at healthy.arkansas.gov. Meanwhile, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is addressing flood-related damage at campgrounds and beaches, but reopenings depend on both water levels receding and bacterial levels dropping to safe thresholds.
To reduce E. coli contamination, the ADH advises against feeding geese, as this encourages them to linger on beaches. Residents are also urged to avoid littering and to report feral swine sightings, which can contribute to contamination.
Staying Safe and Informed
Arkansas authorities recommend the following to ensure safety:
- Avoid swimming at closed beaches: Adhere to posted warnings and check the ADH website for updates on closures.
- Monitor for symptoms: If you’ve swum in potentially contaminated water and experience E. coli symptoms, contact a healthcare provider and report to the ADH.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash hands and shower after lake visits to reduce risk.
- Stay updated: Follow local news or visit healthy.arkansas.gov for the latest on beach reopenings.
For more information, contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-462-0599 or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Little Rock District at 501-324-5551. Reports of illness can be submitted to the ADH or local health departments.
Looking Ahead
The beach closures highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining water quality in Arkansas’s recreational lakes, particularly amid environmental pressures like flooding and wildlife activity. As the state works to reopen its beaches, officials are calling for community cooperation to minimize contamination sources. Arkansas residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and plan alternative summer activities, such as boating or visiting unaffected recreational areas, until the beaches are deemed safe.