Syracuse Swimming Area Closed Again

Lakeside Park swimming area was closed again by the Kosciusko County Health Department Tuesday at 4 p.m.

The decision was made after counts of E. coli bacteria were found to be above safe levels. The swimming area will be closed until further notice, according to a Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department press release.

This is the second time in less than 12 days the swimming area has been closed. The swimming area was closed Aug. 9 due to E. coli levels of more than 500 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. The accepted level for full-body contact is 235 E. coli per 100 ml of water.

E. coli, the abbreviation 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.

According to the health department, 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.

A possible reason for the high levels 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 high.