The City of LaFayette says it has identified the source of elevated E. coli levels that have kept the swimming area at Queen City Lake closed in recent weeks.

According to an update from the city, broader testing conducted around the lake traced the contamination to runoff from a nearby private property.

City officials said private land bordering one of the streams that feeds Queen City Lake was recently treated with an organic-based fertilizer. Recent rainfall then caused runoff from the treated property to flow into the lake, with currents carrying it directly toward the beach area.

Testing found elevated E. coli levels in shallow water near the shoreline.

The city also investigated another potential source near the Highlands Club, where a private sewer leak is being repaired. Officials said testing in that area showed no elevated E. coli levels, and testing of the remainder of Queen City Lake also came back clear.

Although the source has now been identified, the city says it will continue monitoring bacteria levels as rainfall and time help clear the fertilizer runoff from the lake.

The Queen City Lake beach area will remain closed to swimming until testing confirms conditions are safe for the public. Officials said elevated bacteria levels have remained consistent along the shoreline and have also appeared sporadically near the dock.

The City of LaFayette says additional updates will be provided as monitoring continues, with an announcement to be made when the beach is cleared to reopen.