ELKHART -- A health advisory has been issued for the Elkhart River and other small creeks and ditches for the remainder of the summer after officials found levels of E. coli bacteria there.

Tests performed on the lower St. Joseph River -- from Ash Road to the Johnson Street bridge -- show variable results for bacteriological quality, meaning there is the potential of an E. coli threat. Officials say people should use caution there, especially during periods of significant rain.

The Elkhart River and several creeks and ditches entering the waterway should not be used for full body contact, said John Hulewicz, environmental health director for Elkhart County. The public is asked to avoid these waterways for swimming.

Most recent samplings on Simonton and Healton lakes and the upper St. Joseph River show good bacteriological water quality, Hulewicz said, meaning the water there is safe for people.

Hulewicz added that finding E. coli in the Elkhart River is nothing out of the ordinary. He said E. coli is usually caused by runoff from agricultural areas, or raw sewage and stormwater going into the river. The E. coli is present in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.

"The Elkhart River has a lot of subsidiaries and a lot of agricultural land," he said.

Linda Mauller, environmental health assistant director for the St. Joseph County Health Department, said the potential for this to happen "is there all the time."

"It's not surprising for it to happen from time to time," she said.

Mauller said there are no concerns for the St. Joseph River around South Bend and Mishawaka at this time.

Staff writer Tom Moor:
tmoor@sbtinfo.com
(574) 247-7756