AVON, Colorado — The Town of Avon has closed Nottingham Lake to all recreational activities because of high E. coli levels in the water.
The town said regular testing of the E. coli levels in the lake revealed higher than usual amounts and the swimming area was closed Thursday.
On Saturday, the town said results from testing on Friday revealed an elevated concentration of E. coli above the acceptable limit under State of Colorado Natural Swimming Area regulations.
The lake is now closed to swimming, boating, fishing and "all bodily contact," the town said.
Town staff will continue to test the water and will reopen the lake when the results show an acceptable level of the microbe, according to the town.
E. coli is a bacteria primarily associated with fecal matter. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), the elevated levels in Nottingham Lake could be a result of a number of factors ranging from malfunctioning septic systems to fecal waste from swimmers or animals.
Heavy rain, groundwater runoff and low oxygen levels in the lake may also be factors, the town said.
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