Tempe officials announced Friday that Tempe Town Lake will remain closed to boating and fishing after water‑quality testing detected elevated levels of E. coli. The city attributes the bacterial spike to unprecedented runoff from the Salt and Verde rivers and the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, which together poured roughly eight times the average flow into the lake.
Public health precaution
“Monthly water‑quality averages at Tempe Town Lake typically pass surface‑water standards with flying colors. Runoff like this, especially record runoffs from two rivers, brings with it everything from upstream. It will take time for that water to pass and the bacteria level to reduce below the event threshold,” said Rick Amalfi of Aquatic Consulting, a local water‑quality specialist.
The city’s 311 line (480‑350‑4311) is fielding calls from residents seeking clarification. While the lake is off‑limits for boaters and anglers, walking and bicycling on the surrounding trail remain permitted.
Impact on the Collegiate National Triathlon Championships
The water‑quality alert forced organizers of the Collegiate National Triathlon Championships, scheduled for Sunday, to modify the competition. Instead of the traditional swim‑bike‑run format, the event will now be a duathlon featuring only running and biking segments. The change was announced after the lake’s bacterial levels failed to meet the threshold required for safe swimming.
Event officials expressed disappointment but emphasized athlete safety. “We regret the alteration, but the health of our participants is paramount,” a spokesperson for the championship said.
Recent flooding context
Last week’s flooding represents the largest surge on the Salt and Verde rivers since 1993, six years before Tempe Town Lake officially opened to the public. The excess water has caused visible damage: trees have been uprooted, abandoned boats were swept over the dam, and several feet of sand were eroded from the lake’s boat beach.
City engineers are monitoring the situation and expect water quality to improve as the excess runoff continues to flow downstream. In the meantime, the city urges residents to avoid contact with the lake water and to follow any future updates posted on the City of Tempe website.
What residents can do
- Stay informed through the City of Tempe’s official channels and the 311 hotline.
- Avoid any recreational activities that involve direct contact with the lake water.
- Use the lake’s perimeter trail for walking, jogging, or cycling, which remains open.
- Plan alternative venues for any water‑based events until the lake is cleared for safe use.
City officials thanked the community for its patience and cooperation as they work to restore safe conditions at Tempe Town Lake.
Original reporting: azfamily KTVK/KPHO Phoenix (news) — read the source article.
