Elevated E.coli level found in Echo Lake's Causeway Bay

A sampling of Echo Lake’s Causeway Bay on July 14 revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, according to the Flathead City-County Health Department.

A map on the department’s website, flatheadhealth.org, shows the eight areas tested and the one location of concern. County Health Officer Joe Russell said the public may safely swim in the rest of the lake.

“The southern area of Causeway Bay may be unsuitable for recreational swimming at this time,” Russell said. “We are going to continue to monitor this area and will inform the public if we have any noticeable changes.”

Health officials began the testing surveillance of the lake after numerous complaints and concerns about potential sewage introduced into Echo Lake due to the higher than average lake level from the melt of the above average snow pack. According to Russell, residents should not be concerned about lake pollution from septic systems.

“The permitted septic systems around the lake are properly sited and the components of the system are installed at least 50 feet from the lake high-water mark,” Russell said. “Even with higher water these septic systems remain well away from the water.”

Health officials expressed concern about people misinterpreting analysis results as bacteria can be found in almost any sample of water. Lake water quality can change drastically and quickly so only excessive, chronic bacterial contamination indicates concern about recreational use.

Health officials cautioned the public about drinking lake water anywhere or anytime. Russell pointed out that warm-blooded animals live in and around lakes and that even soils contain bacteria found in feces.

“Bacteria can be found everywhere,” he said. “We should feel fortunate that only a very, very slight percentage of those are pathogenic to humans.”

The department intends to post any changes in the water quality at Echo Lake on its website or Facebook page.