High levels of E. coli make 16 Rock County waters unsuitable for recreational activities

Rock River, Yahara River, Sugar River on list

Site staff by Site Contributor

Surface water testing has indicated high levels of E. coli bacteria in several streams and rivers in Rock County, according to a news release.

Rock County Public Health Department officials said they do routine tests at beaches and recreational surface waters during warm weather months.

The sampling taken on Tuesday indicated E. coli levels in excess of 1,000 colony forming units per 100 mLs for water at 16 locations. Officials said at this level the water may not be suitable for recreational activities that could result in water ingestion because it causes a risk of intestinal illness.

These locations include Rock River, Yahara River, Sugar River, Badfish Creek, Turtle Creek, Lake Leota and several smaller streams and creeks.

Officials said these high levels of bacteria could be related to the heavy rains.

A complete list of results and locations sampled can be found here.

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