UPDATE: Swimming alert lifted at Iverson, Mead parks

Metro Wire Staff

The advisory swimming warning at Iverson Park and Mead Park swim beaches was lifted on Thursday.

On Wednesday, city and county websites warned of the possible presence of E. coli at swimming areas of the two parks. Subsequent testing showed both areas were negative for the bacteria.

Portage County beaches are sampled for the presence of E. coli bacteria monthly throughout the swimming season, Health & Human Services Director Gary Garske said.

“If bacteria levels are elevated above 235 cfu (colony-forming units) per 100ml, then we post a sign,” Garske said by phone on Wednesday. “If it goes over 1,000 cfu, we close the beach.”

County officials warned the city on July 24 that monthly testing showed elevated bacteria at both parks. Garske said that’s not uncommon following heavy rains in the summer heat.

But a 1 p.m. on Thursday, additional testing confirmed counts at Mead Park were 33.6 cfu/100ml and 121.1 cfu/100ml at Iverson Park.

Additional information can be found on the county’s website.