Beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir in Muncie to reopen following water quality test

MUNCIE, Ind. — The beach at Prairie Creek Reservoir will reopen just in time for the Fourth of July following a test that found improved water quality.

According to officials with the city of Muncie, recent water quality tests were conducted by Indiana American Water. A news release said that tests confirmed that the levels cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have dropped to 5.5 micrograms per liter, within the U.S. EPA’s threshold of eight.

This comes after the city of Muncie announced that the beach was temporarily closed because of elevated algae levels late last month. According to previous reports, officials found a level of 9.9 micrograms per liter on June 27.

In the release, officials said that the improvement to the beach was achieved “without chemical treatment, due in part to the proactive decision to temporarily close the beach.” The treatment plan using the EPA-approved Cutrine Plus product is expected to occur early next week.

“Swimming will remain safe both before and during the treatment process,” the release said.

Officials also stressed that the drinking water source from the Prairie Creek Reservoir has not been impacted. The release said that the drinking water supply is monitored separately and “there has been no detection of contaminants or risk to public health.”

“We are thrilled to welcome residents and visitors back to Prairie Creek Beach for the holiday weekend,” Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour said in the release. “The safety of our community and those who travel to enjoy this incredible natural resource is always our top priority. We are also focused on ensuring Prairie Creek is in peak condition as we prepare to host the Ironman 70.3 triathlon on July 12. It’s important that we showcase the very best of Muncie.”