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Swimming discouraged at Pim Lake

Swimming at Pim Lake in St. Joe State Park in Park Hills is not being recommended at this time after the lake was placed on an advisory status by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources due to a high level of E. Coli.

A sample of the water indicating the high reading was taken by DNR on July 16. Monsanto Lake, also in St. Joe State Park, remains safe for swimming, according to DNR.

Water quality samples are taken by DNR at all designated swimming beaches in the state park system on a weekly basis during the recreational season. The samples are analyzed at the Environmental Services Program laboratory in Jefferson City, and results are posted online.

Water samples are analyzed for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria. It is normal for E. coli and other bacteria to be found at naturally-occurring levels in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Elevated bacteria levels are frequently associated with heavy rains; however, there are a number of other sources that may contribute to elevated bacteria levels, which may pose a health risk.

Water sample results can help visitors decide whether a particular beach is suitable for swimming, based on the bacteria levels. In accordance with state law, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources will post signs notifying visitors that swimming is not recommended if the geometric mean of the weekly water quality sample results exceeds the equivalent of 190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water (190 mpn/100 ml).

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is recommending that visitors to St. Joe State Park in Park Hills not swim in Pim Lake due to high E. Coli samples taken several days ago. Monsanto Lake, the larger of the two lakes located in the park, is being reported as safe for swimming.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is recommending that visitors to St. Joe State Park in Park Hills not swim in Pim Lake due to high E. Coli samples taken several days ago. Monsanto Lake, the larger of the two lakes located in the park, is being reported as safe for swimming.

Kevin Jenkins is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-518-3614 or kjenkins@dailyjournalonline.com

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