28 Ohio beaches under advisory for E. coli contamination

COLUMBUS (AP) — More than two dozen beaches across Ohio are contaminated with E. coli but will remain open, according to the Ohio Department of Health.

The Columbus Dispatch reported that 28 of Ohio’s 134 public beaches were under bacteria advisories Wednesday, with 21 of those beaches located on Lake Erie.

E. coli, a type of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, can be caused by sewage overflows, geese and gull feces, and failing home-septic systems. If ingested, the bacteria can result in diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

Advisories are issued in Ohio when E. coli levels pass 235 colonies per 100 milliliters of water, in accordance with federal standards. The Ohio Department of Health posts advisories in such cases, but officials said the beaches will remain open.

“As far as state beaches, we feel it’s more important to advise the public and let the public make the decision for themselves,” said Mary Clifton, a recreational programs administrator at the state Health Department.

Matt Eiselstein, an Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman, said the agency is working to limit bacteria levels by dredging and by controlling geese populations.