Harvey Gap State Park closes swimming space for season amid considerations of E. coli contamination – Garfield County, Colorado

Garfield County Public Health alerts group of E. coli signs

PRESS RELEASE

August 21, 2014

UPDATE
August 25, 2014

A Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment pattern report launched August 25 exhibits E. coli outcomes from the final pattern taken on the Harvey Gap Reservoir swim seashore on August 18 had been <1 col/ 100ml, which is effectively beneath acceptable ranges for designated swimming areas.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife closed the swimming seashore at Harvey Gap on August 19 due to low water ranges, which is frequent this time of 12 months.

Rifle Gap Reservoir is open to swimmers, nevertheless the swim seashore at Harvey Gap Reservoir will stay closed till subsequent 12 months because of the low water degree.

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GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) closed the swimming space at Harvey Gap State Park close to Rifle August 19, as a result of public well being security considerations.

Weekly water testing discovered elevated concentrations of the micro organism E. coli, almost definitely attributable to current heavy rainfall. Rain water can carry a wide range of contaminants into lake waters, together with animal waste. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment alerted Garfield County Public Health August 21 of the water pattern concern.

The lake additionally has low water ranges, making swimming unsafe, based on CPW. A discover posted on the reservoir and on the Harvey Gap web site signifies that the pure swimming space will stay closed for the remainder of the season. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has not supplied the Garfield County Public Health Department extra particulars presently.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) micro organism usually reside within the intestines of individuals and animals. Most E. coli are innocent and are literally an essential a part of a wholesome intestinal tract. However, some E. coli may cause sicknesses, with signs that vary from gentle to extreme.

E. coli is contracted by ingesting contaminated meals or water. The incubation interval for an individual experiencing sickness from E. coli is normally three to 4 days, however could also be as quick as sooner or later or so long as ten. The signs usually start slowly with gentle stomach ache or non-bloody diarrhea that worsens over a number of days.

“If you have visited the park in the past week, it is a good idea to monitor yourself for symptoms, and contact your physician if you have concerns,” stated Joshua Williams, Garfield County Environmental Health Manager. “Always avoid swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, and backyard ‘kiddie’ pools as well.”

For extra questions on E. coli in floor water, please name the Garfield County Public Health Environmental Health Division at 970-625-5200, ext. 8113.

At this date, the swim seashore at Rifle Gap remains to be open for public use.