On Thursday, July 25, a warning advisory was put in place at Huntington Reservoir due to samples taken by the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) returning with E.coli bacteria counts above the safe recreational threshold. The DEQ recommends that visitors of the reservoir do not swim in the area, drink the water in the area, and wash their hands with soap and water after contact with the lake water.

Doctor Hannah Bonner from the DEQ explained “E. coli is used as an “indicator organism” for fecal contamination. E.coli specifically occurs in the poop of warm-blooded animals. So if E.coli in a waterbody is persistently high, that’s a good indication fecal contamination is present”

Doctor Bonner also explained what the testing process for waterborne viruses across the state entails. “Samples are collected proactively on a monthly basis, June through October, at water bodies around the state. Three replicate samples are collected from the water at high-use recreational areas (in this instance near the shore of Huntington State Park). The three samples are analyzed for E. coli concentrations.” 

If these samples come back with levels below the threshold, then the DEQ will share an update giving the all-clear on their website.

However, if these samples return above the threshold, workers will go back and perform a second sample set to confirm that E.coli is present. The waterborne virus Warning Advisory at Huntington Reservoir was issued following two sampling events with E.coli over human health thresholds.

For the citizens of the Castle Country area, this means that until testing indicates that E.coli has returned to safe levels, recreators at Huntington Reservoir should avoid swimming, dunking their heads, or other activities that may get water in their mouths.

Activities such as boating, fishing and paddling are still OK, but it is paramount that you avoid getting reservoir water in your mouth as you do so.

Symptoms of exposure to waterborne viruses include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fever, and rash.

As for the length of this advisory, Doctor Bonner explained that due to this being the first time a waterborne virus advisory has been put into effect on the lake, there is no precedent in place for how long this may last. However, the DEQ and the Southeast Utah Department of Health continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available on their website here.

It is advised before recreating that you check the DEQ’s website to see if there are any advisories in place. The website also allows visitors to learn more about E.coli and the meaning behind the advisories.

Castle Country Radio will continue to monitor the advisory and provide an update when it becomes available.