South Dakota lake closed to swimming due to harmful bacteria
Swimming goggles on table
September 6, 2021
HARRISBURG, S.D. (AP) — A popular lake for water enthusiasts in southeastern South Dakota has been closed indefinitely to swimmers due to harmful bacteria.
District Park Supervisor Jason Baumann says that routine water testing at the Lake Alvin Recreation Area near Harrisburg showed that the bacteria could pose a health problem for people submerging and ingesting the water.
He says runoff from heavy rains picked up the contaminants.
Baumann adds that the bacteria usually dissipates quickly because of natural filtration provided by the lake.
The lake remains safe for fishing.
