Rising lake shows no health risks

Echo Lake continues to rise at a rate of just under an inch a day, and Flathead County officials say sampling for fecal coliform bacteria shows there is no threat to public health.

Officials have been concerned that the high water levels could cause contamination from septic systems around the lake.

Nine water samples were collected on July 10, and analysis of the sample indicated there are no undue risks to people who have contact with lake water.

The results of the sampling are posted at www.flatheadhealth.org.

The county commissioners considered a proposal to impose a temporary no-wake zone on the lake to prevent wave damage to shorelines, but commissioners declined to take that action.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden Captain Lee Anderson reminds boaters that the standard no-wake rule — in effect within 200 feet of shorelines — applies to Echo Lake. He cautions boaters to stay well away from the shoreline to reduce wave impacts.

Causeway Lane at Echo Lake remains closed because of high water.