COLORADO SPRINGS — UPDATE: Prospect Lake has reopened. New test results revealed E. coli levels were at 14.6 organisms per 100 milliliters.
ORIGINAL STORY: Prospect Lake is temporarily closed after tests showed elevated levels of E. coli in the water.
A water sample taken on Aug. 31, showed an E. coli level of 307.6 organisms per 100 milliliters. The acceptable level for E. coli is 255 organisms per 100 milliliters.
The results were received Thursday morning and the lake was retested. Results from Thursday's test will be returned Friday, Sept. 2.
The lake may reopen based on the new test results.
Tests are run on a weekly basis throughout the year.
The following activities are prohibited while the lake is closed:
- swimming
- bathing
- paddle boarding
- tubing
- water skiing
- non-motorized boating of any kind
Pets are also not allowed.
Fishing areas will remain open but the city urges anglers to thoroughly clean the fish and remove its guts.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment says elevated E. coli levels may result from several things including fecal waste from swimmers, excessive runoff from rain or flood or malfunctioning septic systems.
For additional information about E. coli, including symptoms of infection, visit the CDC's website.
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