COLUMBUS, Ohio – The beaches are open but swimming advisories have been posted at Buckeye Lake because of high levels of E. coli.
Authorities say levels of the harmful bacteria levels have reached record heights at one of the state’s largest inland lakes, a popular summer destination.
Swimming advisories were issued by the state Health Department for Crystal Beach and another area though both remain open despite tests in early July showing E. coli levels more than 40 times higher than the federal safety threshold for swimming.
The elderly, the very young and people with weakened immune systems are being warned that swimming or wading is not recommended where the harmful algal blooms associated with the contamination are located, Licking County Health Commissioner Joe Ebel said.
Mary Clifton, recreation programs administrator for the Ohio Department of Health, tells The Columbus Dispatch that the state doesn’t want to shut down the beaches. Officials would rather let visitors decide for themselves whether to use the lake.
Sewage overflows, failing home septic systems and geese feces contribute to the problems.