Advisory issued for Acton Lake at Hueston Woods after E. coli detected

Jun. 21—A bacteria contamination advisory was issued for Acton Lake at Hueston Woods State Park in Preble County after high levels of E. coli was detected earlier this week.

The advisory is issued when the level of bad bacteria in the water reaches unsafe levels and could make people sick, according to the Ohio Department of Health website. Children, seniors and those who are sick or have weakened immune systems should not swim in the lake.

A sample taken from Acton Lake on Monday tested for high levels of E. coli. The advisory was issued on Tuesday.

E. coli infection can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection occurs by consuming contaminated food or water or coming into contact with animals or other people.

Those at an increased risk for E. coli infection are children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, people with weakened immune systems and international travelers, according to the CDC.

People can avoid infection by not drinking unsafe water, including not swallowing water while swimming or playing in lakes, ponds and streams.

This is not the first time a warning has been issued for the popular Preble County Lake. One June 28 2022, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued a two-day bacteria contamination advisory encouraging children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals to avoid swimming in the lake.

Bacteria samples are conducted every two weeks and algae samples as needed to monitor the lake throughout the swimming season, May 30 to Sept. 5.