The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources warned last week that the bacteria levels in Pinchot Lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park were dangerously high.
Pinchot Lake and Laurel Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in our area were among the other state parks that received similar alerts in recent weeks.
It is an annual occurrence, according to Ryan Dysinger, assistant director at the DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks.
According to Dysinger, these are natural water bodies that are not treated with chemicals, filters, and other amenities like a swimming pool. Additionally, we observe a rise in it during rainy seasons.
According to Dysinger, the state has seen a lot of precipitation in a short period of time due to the frequent, intense rains that have been pummeling parts of it.
According to him, it usually has to run off elsewhere. Additionally, as it enters our lakes, it is absorbing potentially dangerous bacteria or other substances.
Heavy rainwater can transport fertilizer from farms, toxins from roads, and a variety of other pollutants. According to Dysinger, viruses can even enter lakes by rainfall runoff from residential areas’ yards.
The state parks’ water is routinely tested for microorganisms by the Bureau of State Parks. According to Dysinger, the bureau examines the water in state park swimming sites twice as frequently as the state’s Department of Health, which requires testing for public bathing facilities once a week.
Furthermore, even though coliform bacteria are frequently benign, their existence can be a sign of far more harmful bacteria, such E. coli.
Anyone intending to swim in a lake in one of Pennsylvania’s state parks should check the DCNR website and see if there are any current notices at the park they are visiting, Dysinger suggested.
Additionally, he advised against swimming in murky water or right after a period of intense rainfall in the region.
According to him, some water-borne sickness symptoms are not very enjoyable. They may result in cramping, vomiting, rashes, stomachaches, and other symptoms.
Be cautious when visiting natural bodies of water to prevent a variety of possible symptoms, such as gastrointestinal problems and urinary tract infections.
And whether the test is favorable or not, keep your lips shut, Dysinger said. Adopt hygienic practices.
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