E.coli levels still high in Susquehanna River

(WHTM) — E.coli remains prevalent across the Midstate, samples show.

The Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association, which independently tests the watershed weekly for bacteria, recorded high levels of the bacteria at 20 locations across four counties in its July 17 sample.

The organization recommends avoiding water at these locations:

A common weather mixture for central Pennsylvania lately — extreme heat and heavy rain — can significantly contribute to elevated E.coli levels. Eight Pennsylvania State Parks closed for swimming this week, primarily due to bacteria counts and water testing results.

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of people and animals.

Individuals who swim in waters with elevated E. coli levels risk getting sick with illnesses such as meningitis, septicemia, urinary tract infections and intestinal infection, according to the United States Geological Survey.