9 Things You Need To Know:
About Lake of the Ozarks, E. Coli, and Water Quality
- Lake of the Ozarks is one of the most tested lakes in Missouri. Its overall water quality is very good and is considered to be one of the best places in the country to fish and play in.
- In the past three years, there have been no confirmed cases of sickness from the E Coli bacteria due to swimming in the Lake of the Ozarks.
- All lakes contain levels of E. Coli. There are usually wildlife, farms and humans that exist around a lake. As a result, E. Coli – at some level - will always be present in every body of water.
- There are hundreds of E.Coli strains, most of which are relatively harmless; some are even beneficial to humans. However, some (though rare) can cause illness.
- It’s never wise to drink water from any lake (and it doesn’t taste that good anyway).
- As it is with many lakes around the country, E. Coli levels are influenced by heavy rainfall. At the Lake of the Ozarks, if the levels are high enough around our two public beaches – those beaches may be closed.
- Around Memorial Day Weekend 2009, some samples from the lake were taken that showed high E. Coli levels. These samples were taken immediately after a period of heavy rainfall.
- In accordance to EPA standards (as stated in a Missouri Department of Natural Resources report), test results in the months following Memorial Day Weekend 2009 revealed that the Lake was clean and healthy.
- The Lake of the Ozarks is healthy and safe. We are taking proactive steps to insure the future environmental health of the Lake of the Ozarks continues. Please join us in our efforts.
Information provided by Citizens for the Preservation of Lake of the Ozarks. |
