UPDATED Friday, July 27, 2012 --- 3:15 p.m.

From the Rock County Health Department:

Surface water bacteria testing earlier this week indicated elevated levels of E. Coli bacteria in four locations sampled on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong. Results Friday from follow-up testing shows that E. Coli levels are back within normal ranges and the health advisory has been lifted.

Rock County Health Department samples water at licensed beaches and the Rock River weekly throughout the summer to ensure their safety. Additional recreational streams and lakes are tested monthly or annually. Beach sampling results can be found on the Health Department website www.co.rock.wi.us/health.

For more information on preventing recreational water illnesses, call Rock County Health Department at 757-5440 or 364-2010.

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Posted Thursday, July 26, 2012 --- 8:20 a.m.

From the Rock County Health Department:

Recent surface water bacteria testing has indicated elevated levels of E. Coli bacteria in four locations sampled on the Rock River and Lake Koshkonong.

The elevated levels of bacteria are likely a result of recent rains that may have washed bacteria laden runoff into area waters. Due to the elevated E. Coli levels, people, and pets, should use caution when recreating in these waters as ingestion of this water could lead to an increased chance for gastrointestinal illnesses.

Rock County Health Department samples water at licensed beaches and the Rock River weekly throughout the summer to ensure their safety. Additional recreational streams and lakes are tested monthly or annually. Beach sampling results can be found on the Health Department website www.co.rock.wi.us/health.

For more information on preventing recreational water illnesses, call Rock County Health Department at 757-5440 or 364-2010.