Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Environmental Services Division

For Immediate Release July 3,
2007

LOW E. COLI COUNT FOUND AT SUN VALLEY LAKE

MEDIA CONTACTS: Dan Olson at 712-243-1934 or Eric O’Brien at 319-
353-2835.
 
ELLSTON - Water test results found low E. coli counts in samples taken
from the beach area of Sun Valley Lake after a pressurized sewer line
leaked wastewater into the resort lake Monday at a separate location.

A sample collected Monday Morning was found to be at the lowest
detectable level for E. coli at 10 organisms per 100 mL of water. This
is well below the standard for the maximum allotted bacteria count for
Iowa’s recreational waters at 235 organisms per 100 mL.

Staff at Sun Valley Lake reported a bypass of approximately 300 gallons
of untreated human wastewater entered the lake from the Lot 899 Indian
Point location to DNR staff around 9:30 a.m. Monday morning.

DNR beach monitoring officials collected a sample from the beach area
Monday about a mile from the spill area.

“Samples indicate that bacterial levels are low in the beach area,
but swimming and other water contact activities are still not
recommended in the spill area for several days,” said Dan Olson, an
environmental specialist from the DNR Atlantic field office.

E. coli is bacteria passed from warm blooded animals and may indicate
the presence of disease causing pathogens. Extensive beach monitoring in
Iowa has shown that warm, sunny weather tends to reduce bacteria counts
quickly.

High levels of indicator bacteria or pathogens have no direct influence
on the quality of fish for human consumption. While alive, the fish is
protected from water-borne contaminants by the skin, scales and mucus
covering its body. Proper fish cleaning, rinsing, refrigeration and
cooking should always be used.

Sun Valley Lake is not part of the DNR’s regular monitoring schedule
because it is a privately owned lake. The DNR recommends following these
normal precautions for contact with any surface water:
- Don’t swallow the water.
- Wash your hands after contact with the water.
- Avoid the water if you have open cuts or wounds.
- Change diapers in the restroom and dispose of properly.
For more information on beach monitoring, check the DNR Web site at:
http://wqm.igsb.uiowa.edu/activities/beach/FAQ.htm
Writer: Holly Williams
-30-





Karen Grimes
515-281-5135
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