FREMONT, IN (WTVB) – After being shut down Saturday, Pokagon State Park near Fremont, Indiana reopened the park’s main beach Sunday. It happened in the midst of the final holiday weekend of the summer.
The beach was shut down Saturday due to levels of E.coli in the water that exceeded their permit limit for swimming. The beach located below the Potawatomi Inn remained open.
E. coli occurs naturally in the environment. Animal waste (geese, raccoons, etc.) can sometimes increase levels temporarily. Heat, a lack of water movement, sampling procedures, and limited rainfall can also impact E. coli levels.
Officials say the swimming beaches at Pokagon are all tested weekly for the presence of E. coli, and if levels exceed permit requirements, the beach is closed and retested until they have a good sample.
Pokagon officials say this was a rare occurrence at their beaches and they thanked patrons for their patience. You can read more about E. Coli at http://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_owq_sw_e_coli.pdf.
