CAMPING --The  swimming area and beach at Lyons Ferry Park has been reopened today after test results received this afternoon showed the water was again safe for in-water recreation.

The Walla Walla District of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed the park's beach at the confluence of the Palouse and Snake Rivers on Aug. 1, when tests showed that fecal bacteria exceeded levels considered safe for people.

“The reduction in those bacteria levels this week is likely because of recent cooler temperatures and increased wind through the Snake River gorge,” said Darren Opp, assistant natural resources manager at the Corps’ office in Clarkston, Wash. “That’s all it needed to get the water moving better through the swimming area and flush out the fecal bacteria contamination. We’ll continue to test our designated swimming areas throughout the warm-weather season to help ensure public safety for our visitors.”

Lyons Ferry, formerly a Washington state park, is one of several outdoor recreation areas managed by the Corps of Engineers along the Snake River drainage.