BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The city of Bellingham has announced that the Bloedel Donovan swimming beach will reopen by 2 p.m. on Sept. 17.

A sewage spill that occurred on Sept. 11 previously shut down water access at Bloedel while workers evaluated the spill’s impacts.

Water quality testing has since confirmed that bacteria levels in the lake are low, and it is now safe for public use. The beach will be open for swimming, hand launching boats and other recreational activities.

The city says flows from the dam were increased to help flush the system and dilute contaminants that might have any impact on Whatcom Creek.

Water quality samples along Whatcom Creek are being collected and will be shared publicly once available.