Officials to begin testing for E. coli: what you should know

Jumping in a lake is a great way to cool off in the summer…but what’s in the water with you?

It could be an unhealthy level of E. coli.

Weather permitting, Columbia’s Public Health and Human Services Department will begin analyzing the water for the bacteria next week. They plan to test all the local lakes and creeks from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend.

“If it consistently tests higher three times in a row then we’ll post a sign. We’ll also contact the responsible party for that lake,” Andrea Waner, Public Information Officer for Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services tells ABC 17 News, adding. “I think families can assume if the signs are not up, that it would be safer for them to play.”

There are a few lakes–including Stephen’s Lake–that the department will test weekly because they have a history of high levels of E. coli.

According to the official EPA criteria, water levels should not exceed 126 E. coli parts per 100 milliliters.

Officials say rain can have an impact on E. coli levels, so with all the rain in the forecast, testing may be delayed.

But even if the water levels are safe, officials still recommend that you take precautions, such as not drinking the water and washing off toys after they’ve been in the lake.

Just because E. coli’s in the water, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get sick. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, throwing up, fatigue and fever.

Here’s a link to the water testing on the public health department’s website. Since testing hasn’t begun, there are no results for 2016, but you can take a look at the 2015 numbers for reference.