Low lake levels and temperatures in the 90s are believed to have contributed to bacteria growth in Lake Malone, forcing the closure of its only swimming beach. The state made the decision Tuesday to close the beach until tests show lower levels of fecal choliform, according to Jim Carroll, public information officer for the state Department of Parks. Swimming advisories are issued when bacteria levels reach 200 parts per 100 milliliters of water. Beaches are closed when it reaches 1,000, according Mark Wilkerson, senior health environmentalists for the Muhlenberg County Health Department. The last tests that we had showed 2,500, Wilkerson said. So it was pretty high. Its not the first time bacteria levels have forced the beach closed there, Wilkerson said. Back in 88 we had a drought-type situation, he said. The beach was closed because lack of water and high humidity made the bacteria grow. Fecal choliform could cause intestinal problems if ingested, according to Barry Turner, director of the environmental division of the Barren River District Health Department. They are indicators that other diseases spread through fecal contact may be present as well, Turner said. Lake Malone State Park Superintendent Kenny Higgins said the lake now is about three feet below normal summer levels. Its been really hot and we havent had any rain to speak of, Higgins said. But the beach is still a popular area on weekends because it is the only place where swimming is allowed on Lake Malone. Higgins said its not clear what the source of contamination is. A pipe carrying sewage runs under the lake, but Higgins said that has been tested and there are no leaks. An inspector from the state Division of Water in Madisonville will walk the perimeter of the 800-acre lake today, according to Ed Carroll, supervisor for divisions Madisonville office. He will look for any obvious signs of water runoff into the lake, Ed Carroll said. Until the inspection is made, the state wont know if something like discharge from straight-line sewer pipes could be going into the lake. Jim Carroll said samples will be taken again Friday, but the results wont be available until early next week. At that time we will see if the levels have dropped enough to reopen the beach, he said. Even if they have dropped, the beach couldnt open until Aug. 10 because all state beaches beginning next week will be open only on the weekends, Jim Carroll said.