Elevated E.coli levels found in Avocado Lake for 2nd straight year

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Fresno County officials are warning Avocado Lake goers to beware of the amount of E. Coli bacteria in the vast body of water.

"This is our historical leading up to now..." Matthew Gore says. "It's a huge spike, and this is why it got the water board's attention and why they contacted us."

Matthew Gore is an environmental health specialist with the Fresno County Department of Public Health. He says this is the second straight year elevated levels of E. Coli were found at the lake.

Gore explains that last year, the levels fluctuated week to week.

"Having bacteria at this level does increase the risk of illness. It's not a guarantee that somebody is going to get horribly ill, but it does increase the chances of it," he said.

Gore says the water quality becomes worrisome when the bacteria concentration reaches a rating of 320 or higher.

The classification discovered on Thursday was over 2,400.

Water at Avocado Lake flows in from the King's River, so officials say it's hard to find a source or reasoning for the raised levels.

Fresno County Parks manager Chris Bernal encourages people to be extra cautious if they decide to visit Avocado Lake.

"Do not drink the water. Do not cook with the water or use it to wash your dishes. And then if they're going to enter the water to shower and wash their hands thoroughly after they have done so," Bernal said.

It's unknown when health officials will determine it's safe to swim here at Avocado Lake, but the county says they'll continue to monitor the water and update the public weekly.

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