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E. Coli levels remain high at Neshota Beach in Two Rivers

Posted at 11:05 PM, Jun 20, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-21 00:05:53-04

A popular beach in Two Rivers is under an advisory after Manitowoc County health officials found E. coli in Lake Michigan. 

Mike Hinrichs watched his family enjoy their first trip to Nashotah Beach Tuesday. 

"To have this so close and not have used it over the years more often is kind of silly,” said Hinrichs. 

But he'll have to wait a little longer to take a dip.

Earlier in the week, county health officials found more than 1000 colony forming units of E. coli in a sample. That meant the beach had to close, per EPA guidelines. 

The most recent sample had between 250-and-1000 colony forming units, meaning it became safe to open the beach, but not necessarily safe to swim. It won't be safe to swim again until that gets below 250.

“I hope it was just the big rainstorm that we have that washed it all down and it's not something that's chronic," said Hinrichs. 

County leaders say they can't pinpoint the source, but say animals upstream could be a source. 

Two Rivers Parks and Recreation announced the advisory in a Facebook post.

They say don't swallow the water. You should also shower after swimming and wash your hands.

But many say they didn't know about it and say they want more notice. 

"It’s a little concerning, not knowing that there was anything out there," said Taylor Korstad, who went swimming in the lake Tuesday.

“You shouldn't be able to go to the beach and not be aware of it," said Hinrichs. 

So for now, Hinrichs will have to stay on shore but that doesn't bother him too much.

“[The water]’s a little cool,” said Hinrichs.