KIMBALL COUNTY-- The Panhandle Public Health District has reported that the latest sample test of Oliver Reservoir shows exceptionally high levels of E. coli bacteria. 

According to the Nebraska Department of Water, Environment, and Energy (NDEE), the test done on July 14 came back with 1,986 per 100 ml of E. coli. 

A standard single sample considers 235 counts (or higher) per 100 ml to be a higher risk for illness through ingestion. For long-term average, 126 per 100 ml is considered a higher risk. 

Environmental Health Coordinator Melissa Haaf says: “It could have been that there was a long period of high runoff from somewhere or you guys might have had excess precipitation. There are a lot of different things that could have happened for it to spike, and then it will suddenly go back down.” 

According to NDEE, the past sample readings of Oliver Reservoir were significantly lower. 

The July 7 reading came back with 138 per 100 ml, which is the second highest it’s been this year since testing began May 5.

NDEE conducts a weekly test of 51 public recreational lakes (56 sites in total) starting in May and going through September. The test looks for Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) and E. coli bacteria. 

Oliver Reservoir is one of 22 lakes that have tested over the standard level of E. coli so far this year. 

Haaf says that bacteria can change really quickly, and although it is not as worrisome as harmful algal blooms, it is still important for the public to be aware of the bacteria levels. 

Individuals and families should decide for themselves what risk they are willing to take by swimming in the lake. 

“You can still swim in it, what I would be cautious about is, I know people like to go tubing and jet skiing where they may unintentionally ingest water, so just be very cautious about that,” Haaf said. 

Ingesting an excess amount of water containing bacteria can cause gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea) if swallowed. Although swallowing water can lead to flu-like symptoms, the health effects are not life-threatening. 

Kirkman’s Cove Lake in Richardson County is currently under a HAB alert, as its latest sample showed high levels of the toxin, Microcystin, which is associated with the presence of harmful algal blooms, which can remain for several weeks. 

Swimmers can track the status of lakes testing for E. Coli and HAB by visiting the NDEE website.