(ANGOLA) - The main beach at Pokagon State Park is temporarily closed after recent water testing found elevated levels of E. coli.
Swimming remains available at the Potawatomi Inn beach near the inn.
Park officials sent another water sample to the laboratory after receiving the test results. The main beach will remain closed until new testing shows it can reopen.
E. coli bacteria are found naturally in the environment and in the intestines of people and animals. Elevated readings can occur after heavy rain or increased nutrients in the water.
The closure is separate from Pokagon's blue-green algae alert program.
Updates will be posted on Pokagon State Park's Facebook page. Questions can be directed to the park office at 260-833-2012.
More information about E. coli in recreational water is available from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management here: http://www.in.gov/idem/files/factsheet_owq_sw_e_coli.pdf.