E. coli in Lakes: What to Do and How We Can Help

Lakes are an important part of life for many people. Unfortunately, when the water quality in lakes is poor, they become unsafe and unenjoyable. Coliform bacteria and blue green algae bloom contaminations are common reasons why some lakes have had to be shut down because they jeopardize public health in serious ways.

 The E. coli bacteria are a type of coliform bacteria and an especially common enemy among people who love spending time outdoors in lakes and other bodies of water. Over the years, these tiny organisms have caused many lake lovers quite a bit of trouble due to how they proliferate and persist in water.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at E. coli bacteria, what they are, the conditions that cause them, how long they stay in the water, and how best to reduce them in lakes. We’ll also answer whether it’s safe to swim in a lake with E. coli. For these and more, continue reading!

What is E. coli?

Many types of bacteria live in the human body, and E. coli is one of them. E. coli are a type of coliform bacteria that usually live in human and animal intestines. Most of these bacteria help break down food, making them an essential part of our digestive system.

However, a few strains of E. coli bacteria are harmful to humans after they are ingested (taken into the digestive system through the mouth). These bacteria do damage by producing a toxin called “Shiga” that damages the lining of the intestines.

When exposed to these harmful strains of E. coli, a person can develop pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or diarrhea, to name a few possibilities.

What causes E. coli contaminations in lakes?

The cause of E. coli contaminations in lakes can be a combination of many things, but typically it is from animal feces making its way into the lakes. This means that any lake that has a significant amount of warm-blooded animal life (waterfowl, pets) living around the lake has the potential to become a breeding ground for E. Coli bacteria.

Specifically, sources of E. coli in lakes are:

·   Rainwater runoff carries pollutants, including E. coli, into the lake

·   Failing septic systems

·   Agricultural runoff, such as fertilizer and manure

·   People and animals swim in the lake

· Stagnant, low-oxygen conditions in the lake

How long does E. coli live in water?

Some people may be more sensitive to E. coli bacteria and may experience health problems more easily than others. Whether or not immediately affected, it is always important to check for any E. coli warning signs. If there are any, it’s best not to swim in the lake.

The best way to stay safe is to heed all E. coli warnings and avoid swimming in lakes that have been identified as being contaminated with the bacteria.

However, even if there are no warning signs, be aware that E. coli levels can change rapidly, and you may want to avoid swimming in a lake that has had a history of E. coli outbreaks, especially after major rain events.

Other signs of E. coli in lakes may include foaming, considerable amounts of scum on the surface of the water, and a strong odor. If you see any of these signs in a lake, it is best to avoid swimming altogether.

Can I swim in a lake with E. coli?

Some people may be more sensitive to E. coli bacteria and may experience health problems more easily than others. Whether or not immediately affected, it is always important to check for any E. coli warning signs. If there are any, it’s best not to swim in the lake.

The best way to stay safe is to heed all E. coli warnings and avoid swimming in lakes that have been identified as being contaminated with the bacteria.

However, even if there are no warning signs, be aware that E. coli levels can change rapidly, and you may want to avoid swimming in a lake that has had a history of E. coli outbreaks, especially after major rain events.

Other signs of E. coli in lakes may include foaming, considerable amounts of scum on the surface of the water, and a strong odor. If you see any of these signs in a lake, it is best to avoid swimming altogether.

Reducing the presence of E. coli in lakes

While E. coli bacteria cause many problems, some preventative measures can help reduce E. coli populations in lakes.

First, it is important to keep animals out of the lake as much as possible because their feces contain E. coli bacteria. Other ways to reduce the presence of E. coli in lakes include:

·   Ensuring proper disposal of pet and human wastes

·   Preventing livestock from grazing near the lake

·   Keeping septic systems in good working order

·   Cleaning up after dogs defecate near the lake

·   Fencing off animals from lakes (and if they have to go, making sure they go far away from the shoreline)

·   Using fertilizer and manure sparingly, or not at all, in agricultural areas near lakes

·   Stopping rainwater runoff from entering the lake

·   Install an aeration system to continually mix and oxygenate the water where E. coli is a concern

 Everyone has a part to play in keeping lakes healthy. Regular testing of lakes with significant wildlife around is important in ensuring the safety of the water for swimming and other recreational activities.  

Let Clean-Flo Help You Bring Your Lake Back to Life!

Is your lake contaminated with E. coli bacteria? Have you been looking for a way to help improve your lake’s conditions? Then look no further because Clean-Flo is the best when it comes to lake restoration. With our lake restoration system, you can rest assured that your lake will be restored to its optimal condition.

 At Clean-Flo, our top-of-the-line process of restoring lakes is the perfect solution for contaminated and polluted lakes. Our lake aeration system is also unsurpassed in terms of efficacy and efficiency.

Our lake restoration method consists of a customized and efficient approach:

·   Inversion-Oxygenation

·   Bio-augmentation

This approach is effective against E. Coli because it addresses the two major environmental factors that allow E. coli to thrive: low-oxygen levels and stagnation. Our Oxygenation-Inversion system addresses these environmental factors by producing high levels of oxygen throughout the entire water column and by continuously mixing the lake without creating sediment-suspending turbulence. Our approach also ensures that there is a healthy microbial community that competes heavily against E. coli, making it very difficult for them to survive.

With Clean-Flo, your lake will get all the care it needs, and you can enjoy all the benefits of a healthy lake.

So, if your lake is contaminated with E. coli, or it’s polluted and oxygen-deprived, we’ll make it clean and healthy again!

You can get a free cost estimate for lake restoration when you call us at Clean-Flo. What’s more, you will get a cost-effective solution and enjoy all the benefits of a healthy lake without any of the hassles. Our lake restoration process is the best among other aeration providers, and the words of our happy customers continue to speak for us.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and let us help you get your lake back on track!