RAYSTOWN LAKE, Pa. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Baltimore District, has closed Tatman Run Beach due to a high level of E. coli bacteria found in a water sample taken from the swimming area. The beach will reopen when water sample results are cleared for public access and the bacteria level is back within the “safe” range for swimming. The boat launch and picnic shelter will remain open, and the area will still be open for non-swimming day-use activities. Additionally, this closure does not affect Seven Points Beach which will remain open for the holiday weekend.
The levels of bacteria fluctuate daily in bodies of fresh water like Raystown Lake (depending on precipitation, inflow, presence of humans & waterfowl, etc.) and can vary greatly from place to place in the same body of water! It is a common misconception that if one area on a lake has elevated bacteria levels, then the whole lake is unsafe. Generally speaking, bacterial contamination originates from conditions on or near the shore and levels are usually lower further away from shore. Although we do not know the exact source causing the high E. coli levels at Tatman currently, we suspect it could be a result of the recent high-water event.
Safety inspections and water tests are conducted weekly at both Seven Points Beach and Tatman Run Beach for the safety of our visitors but both beaches are swim at your own risk. You should always use caution when swimming around any area of the lake and wear a life jacket.
For more information on the closure, contact Park Ranger Scott Graham by email at scott.t.graham@usace.army.mil or by phone at 814-658-6808.
Release no. 25-018