Recent storms worsen pollution at Lake Erie beaches in Ohio

Public beaches have posted warnings about high bacteria levels.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rainwater and sewage runoff from storms in the past week have created midsummer health problems at Lake Erie beaches already ranked among the worst in the nation by the Natural Resources Defense Council environmental group.

Public beaches ranging from Maumee State Park near Toledo to Ashtabula’s Lakeshore Park have been posted with warnings about high bacteria levels that can pose health risks, especially for the young, old and sick.

In the past week, 13 of 23 Ohio beaches along the lake had water-quality readings that warranted health warnings. Most of the unhealthy beaches saw pollution surge after an Aug. 2 downpour.

Historically, Lake Erie water quality suffers after heavy rainfalls that can overwhelm storm systems into sanitary sewers which, in turn, overflow into the lake and its tributaries.

Storms last week and again Tuesday dumped up to 5 inches of rain in some lakeshore areas, including Cleveland, where flooding led to sewage overflows at the Edgewater Park section of Cleveland Lakefront State Park, one of Ohio’s busiest.

The Ohio state park system understands rough weather can lead to dirty beach water and encourages swimmers to check the state Web site for testing results, said Scott Fletcher with the state beach sampling program.

Ohio’s poor ranking in the council’s report reflects the state’s diligent daily sampling, Fletcher said.