Careful where you swim. Some York County waterways have elevated levels of e. coli

Ah, yes, summertime and the going is easy, time for some recreation down at the creek or in the river.

But the going may not be so easy, as testing of local waterways has shown elevated levels of e. coli bacteria in many York County streams and in the Susquehanna River.

According to testing conducted at 20 different locations by the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper throughout the watershed, e. coli is found at levels above those considered safe under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines in many of those waterways. The testing is done weekly throughout the summer months, according to the riverkeeper association.

For instance, testing of the Codorus Creek at the Sherman Street bridge on June 12 showed e. coli levels above the federal guidelines, resulting in a recommendation not to have contact with the water, according to the riverkeeper website. Other similar results were reported at the Walnut Street boat launch in Wrightsville, Kines Run Park and the Lock 2 boat launch south of the river town.

E. coli infections can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. In youngsters, the elderly and those with challenged immune systems, it can cause kidney failure.

By contrast, other sites reported levels of the bacteria below the federal guidelines, including the Codorus Creek at Codorus Furnace and two sites along Muddy Creek in southern York County, at the Felton ball field and at the Paper Mill Bridge.

Several factors lead to the proliferation of e. coli, said Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Ted Evgeniadis. Weather is a large factor as heavy rain can lead to the bacteria being swept into streams from farm fields and cow pastures. Sources of the bacteria are difficult to pinpoint, he said, as it comes from multiple sites.

The main source of bacteria in the Susquehanna is the Harrisburg wastewater system. The wastewater system is tied to the stormwater management system in that city, and when the city receives more than a tenth of an inch of rain, it causes sewage to overflow into the river, the riverkeeper has reported.

The testing is not done to discourage people from seeking recreation in local waterways, Evgeniadis said. Bacteria levels fluctuate, depending on the weather, and the testing is done to show trends and inform the public about the risks of swimming or fishing in local creeks.

“We want people to recreate in the water, but we also want them to be informed,” Evgeniadis said. “Sometimes, the water quality is great. Sometimes, it’s not.”

To track testing, visit the riverkeeper website.

Reporting by Mike Argento, York Daily Record / York Daily Record