Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Because of high levels of E. coli bacteria, the Kosciusko County Health Department ordered the swimming area at Lakeside Park, Syracuse, closed at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release from Michael Hixenbaugh, Syracuse Parks and Recreation Superintendent.
Bob Weaver, county health department administrator, said both samples taken from the lake had levels of more than 500 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. The accepted level for full-body contact is 235 E. coli per 100ml of water.
E. coli, short for Escherichia coliform, is a group of hundreds of strains of bacteria that are considered to be fecal coliform and can cause illness if consumed. While these bacteria may be found in soil, when found in water they indicate the water is not sanitary and should not be consumed.
Weaver said two samples are taken at every public beach in the county every week. If both samples test over the limit, the beach is immediately closed. The health department continues retesting of the water until it is determined the E. coli levels are safe again. New results are expected this afternoon, Weaver said. "If we get good results, we'll call them and open it back up."
He said a possible reason for the high level of E. coli may be the feces of the many ducks and geese at the lake, coupled with the fact that the water temperature of the lakes has been around 88 degrees.
"It's an ideal breeding ground" for E. coli, Weaver said.
The swimming area will be closed until further notice.
Other lakes in the county, such as Center and Pike lakes, have been closed in the past, Weaver said, due to high E. coli levels, but the beaches are usually closed for only one to two days.
