The La Porte County Health Department has released the latest water quality results for public beaches throughout the county.
According to recent samples collected, Upper Fish Lake Beach in Fish Lake has been placed under a water quality advisory after testing above the acceptable E. coli level. The sample measured more than 2,420 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Health officials advise against full-body contact with the water when E. coli levels exceed 1,000 colonies per 100 milliliters.
All other La Porte County public beaches sampled tested below the advisory threshold.
The Health Department says E. coli bacteria can enter water through storm runoff, agricultural runoff, wildlife and domestic animal waste, or other sources. Officials say elevated bacteria levels may indicate the possible presence of disease-causing pathogens.
Water samples are collected on Tuesdays and Thursdays at beaches within the La Porte County Parks system and on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Washington Park, Stop 2 and Stop 7 beaches, which are sampled by Michigan City Parks Department. Results are posted on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s BeachGuard website and the La Porte County Beach Map.
