Latest news with #FishersHealthDepartment
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Climate
- Indianapolis Star
Eagle Creek Beach closed to swimmers after test finds elevated levels of E. coli
Indy Parks and Recreation has closed Eagle Creek Beach until further notice after a routine water test found "elevated levels of E. Coli," according to a June 25 social media post from Eagle Creek Park. The beach will be closed for the foreseeable future, but a dozen beaches and pools remain open to the public, as well as 16 splash pads throughout Indianapolis. They might not be a good choice for beating the heat, though, as the National Weather Service predicts several days of thunder that will roll into the area beginning on the evening of June 27. E. coli levels can spike during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall and high heat. Central Indiana is at the tail end of a heat wave, which may also be responsible for bacterial contamination in Hamilton County waterways earlier this week. On June 25, the Fishers Health Department issued a public health advisory after tests found evidence of E. coli in both the White River and Fall Creek. The presence of E. coli in water is indicative of fecal contamination, which could come from agricultural or sewage runoff. There are many strains of E. coli, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Most are "harmless," the agency says, while some strains can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, urinary tract infections or respiratory problems.
Indianapolis Star
25-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
E. coli found in three Fishers waterways. Is Geist Beach still open for swimming?
The Fishers Health Department has issued a public health advisory after two tests found evidence of E. coli bacteria in three Hamilton County waterways. Tests performed on June 23 and June 24 showed "unsatisfactory" levels of E. coli in water collected from Fall Creek at Geist Park, Fall Creek at Canal Place and the White River at 6100 Wahpihani Drive. Though water collected from near the Olio Boat Ramp showed high levels of E. coli on June 10, those levels have returned to "satisfactory" in every sample taken since June 17. Both of the contaminated Fall Creek samples were taken from water just northeast of Geist Reservoir. Three samples of water from common swimming and boating areas in the reservoir, taken between June 20 and June 24, all passed the health department's tests. E. coli levels can spike during and immediately after periods of heavy rainfall and high heat. Central Indiana is at the tail end of a heat wave, which will be followed by several days of rain. The presence of E. coli in water is indicative of fecal contamination, which could come from agricultural or sewage runoff. There are many strains of E. coli, according to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Most are "harmless," the agency says, while some strains can cause serious gastrointestinal illness, urinary tract infections or respiratory problems. The most recent samples from the Olio Road boat ramp, Family Cove and Cambridge Cove all passed the health department's tests. Those three locations "have direct relation to where we find most relaxing in the water," according to the health department. Geist Reservoir remains safe and open to visitors, but online records show the two points on Fall Creek with high E. coli were forced to close.
