Corps removes possible E. coli contamination advisory at Bennington Lake

Published July 14, 2011

WALLA WALLA, Wash.  – The Walla Walla District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is removing the advisory given to the public late last week advising the public not to swim in Bennington Lake. After further testing, the Corps has found no further indication of high E. coli levels.

Initial test results received July 7 revealed E. coli counts of 170 per each 100 milliliters of sample. That figure is higher than the 126 per 100 milliliters that is deemed safe for swimming areas by Washington state health officials. Three additional water samples from Bennington Lake indicate that the E. coli levels are well below the threshold considered harmful to human health. The second water sample taken Friday indicated 4 parts per 100 milliliters. The third test taken Tuesday showed 2 parts per 100 milliliters. The fourth sample taken Wednesday showed 8 parts per 100 milliliters.

      Water tests were submitted by the Corps to the Walla Walla County Health Department. District officials routinely sample water at Bennington Lake even though there is no designated swim beach. Samples were taken near the bottom of the boat ramp.

For additional information, call the Corps' Mill Creek Dam and Bennington Lake office in Walla Walla at 509-527-7160.

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Release no. 11-107