EUFAULA, Okla. -- It's unusually quiet on the South Beach of Lake Eufaula, as swimmers aren't allowed in the water from the marina to the other side of the cove.
This follows bacteria tests late last week.
"We had a volleyball tournament over at the beach, there was tent camping and things along the area and no one is camping now because they can't get in the water," Eufaula Cove Marina manager Julie Whitney said.
One homeowner is taking care of his grandson over the holiday, and said this will mean a change in plans.
"I guess he won't be able to get in it and swim. That's probably going to be a little disappointment. But hopefully we'll make the best of it, get out on some sea doos if that's allowable," Carey English said.
Businesses on the water said if the area stays closed throughout the summer it could have a large impact on Eufaula's economy.
"It could put a big damper on our income and our livelihood because we do only have three months a year. If we keep having these bad tests show up, that's going to cause a problem for us also," Whitney said.
Whitney fears if the area is closed for weeks at a time, she'll be unable to renovate the marina this winter. The staff is also frustrated they didn't hear about testing until results came in on Friday.
"If they're testing the water where people are swimming and it's part of our livelihood, we would like to know what the issues are and why they're questioning the water now to go ahead and do the tests," Whitney said.
The volleyball courts are open, as well as the North Beach and Jellystone Park. The City of Eufaula is following recommendations from the Corps of Engineers and DEQ to determine when the area will be open to the public.
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