Bacteria in area lakes a concern for Labor Day swimmers

The Department of Environmental Quality is warning people headed to the lake that there could be some danger lurking in the water.

The DEQ says certain bacteria, viruses and protozoa can be present in untreated bodies of water. Some microorganisms in the water are harmful and can cause problems like ear infection, swimmer’s itch, gastrointestinal upset, or relatively rare but serious conditions such as eye infections and some forms of meningitis.

The experts says swimmers should pay close attention to water conditions.

Here are some tips from the DEQ:

Hold nose or wear nose plugs when jumping into the water

Wash open skin cuts and scrapes with clean soap and water immediately after swimming

Avoid swallowing water when swimming

Wear ear plugs to prevent ear infections

Wear swim goggles or masks to prevent eye infections

Avoid swimming near storm drains (pipes that drain polluted water from streets)

Take children to the restroom frequently/Use swim diapers on infants

Stay away from any area that has floating debris, stagnant water, oil sheens or dead fish