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As temperatures increase, some beach and lake goers in Kosciusko County will have to find another outlet to beat the heat.
The Kosciusko Health Department closed about seven beach and lake sites last week to conduct E. coli testing to meet routine State Department of Health standards.
The health department conducts the E. coli testing every year from Memorial Day until Labor Day, according to Kosciusko County Health Department Administrator Bob Weaver.
The sites being tested include Winona Lake, Hoy's Beach, North Webster Beach, Pike Lake, Center Lake, Syracuse Lake and Waubee Lake.
"The biggest problem in the area is from sources such as wildlife, ducks and geese releasing their waste and it getting into the water," Weaver said.
He said there are 235 colonies of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. The department takes two water samples from each site every Monday.
"If we find that the site tests over 235, then we temporarily will close the area and aggressively test the site every day until it measures under 235," Weaver said.
Two samples taken the same day with E. coli counts less than 235 per 100 ml. of water will be required for reopening the beach to the public.
An intern is sent out to test the water at two sites at the bathing area at a minimum of 25 feet from shore.
The health department conducts the testing at its facility that takes 24 hours to complete.
"We realize this is not a good time to have beaches and lakes closed when there is good weather, but we are thinking of the safety of our swimmers," Weaver said.
The Warsaw Parks Department was instructed Thursday to close Pike Lake Beach for testing to be conducted. The department posted three signs along the beach advising swimmers that the beach was closed.
"The testing is for the protection of swimmers," said Parks Department Superintendent Jon Garber. "We want to make sure that we have safe water for our swimmers."
Garber said Thursday's results were mixed and the department will receive today's results tomorrow.
