Visitors asked not to swim in portion of Utah Lake with high E. coli levels


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LINDON — A portion of Utah Lake was placed under a caution advisory Thursday because of high levels of E. coli, according to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

The north side of the Lindon Marina tested positive for high E. coli levels, according to three rounds of samples collected since Friday, said department spokeswoman Donna Kemp Spangler.

Lake visitors are asked not to swim or wade into the water in that area. People should also refrain from ingesting water there, Spangler said. She recommended washing hands after touching the water or handling fish at the marina. Caution signs are posted nearby.

The harmful E. coli levels are "an indicator of fecal contamination," Spangler said.

"Pollution of all kinds, including E. coli, are typically higher after rainstorms since water draining into streams and lakes travels over lawns, farm fields, sidewalks, and streets, which may contribute sources of fecal contamination," the Department of Environmental Quality explains on its website.

Other areas of Utah Lake were also tested for E. coli in light of the contaminated samples but didn't yield concerning results, Spangler said.

E. coli bacteria can cause harmful symptoms such as diarrhea and different types of infections, particularly urinary tract infections, she said.

The advisory issued Thursday is one of several to affect Utah Lake and other lakes in Utah County since July.

Utah Lake was closed on July 15 because of an algal bloom that resulted in algae levels three times higher than what is considered safe. Most of the lake was reopened to swimming and water sports by Aug. 2.

However, all of Utah Lake is currently under a "caution" advisory related to algae concerns, meaning visitors can swim but are asked to avoid areas with high concentrations of algal scum.

Big East Lake in Payson is currently under a "danger" advisory because of an algal bloom. Ralph Clegg, executive director of the Utah County Health Department, said last week that the "danger" advisory "is essentially a closure."

All other lakes in Payson are currently under a "caution" advisory due to algae levels.

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