Note: This tool is provided without warranty. User should consult public primary information sources, such as recorded deeds and plats, to verify the accuracy of the data provided. Wake County shall not be held liable for any errors in these data. This includes but is not limited to errors of omission, commission, errors concerning the content of the data, and relative and positional accuracy of the data. These data cannot be construed to be a legal document. Primary sources from which these data were compiled must be consulted for verification of information contained in these data. Use of this tool constitutes acceptance of this disclaimer.
Wake County Onsite Water Protection samples fresh water bodies at public beaches and some private camps for E. coli and Enterococci bacteria during the summer season (late May–Labor Day weekend).
Sampling locations include Beaverdam, Sandling Beach and Holly Point at Falls Lake, Fantasy Lake Water Park, YMCA Camp Kanata, New Life Camp, Umstead State Park and Lake Wheeler.
This program follows regulations adopted by the Wake County Board of Human Services to inform swimmers and others who come in contact with the water about bacteria levels in recreational water. These bacteria are found in feces from humans and animals and indicate possible contamination, which may contain pathogens capable of causing illness. Color-coded signs—green, yellow, or red—indicate whether it’s safe to swim, caution is advised, or swimming should be avoided. Advisory signs at each site display weekly conditions.
- Green – No advisory; bacteria levels are below exceedance thresholds.
- Yellow – Caution; elevated bacteria levels detected. Enter water at your own risk. Advisory remains until levels return to normal. Also used out of caution when a major rain event prevents testing.
- Red – Closed for public health nuisance; elevated health risks exist. Body contact with water is not allowed until the nuisance is abated.
- Black – Swimming area closed due to maintenance or reasons unrelated to bacteria levels. No on-site signage for this status.
- White – No current testing data available; default status outside the monitoring season. No on-site signage for this status.
Additional information about the advisories and the monitoring program can be found in the Wake County Policies and Procedures Manual.
Status Map
To see the status of a recreational waters location:
- Click the icon for that location on the map,
- You can also view detailed data reports for a location.