Prospect Lake closed with immediate effect to bodily contact due to positive E. coli test

September 1, 2022

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Prospect Lake in Memorial Park is closed immediately to bodily contact following a positive test for an elevated concentration of E. coli. Signs will be posted around the lake to alert users of the closure.

The test, which took a water sample on August 31, revealed a level of E. coli of 307.6 organisms per 100 milliliters, while the acceptable level for E. coli is 255 organisms per 100 milliliters. The results were received on the morning of Thursday September 1st.

The lake was retested on Thursday and the results will be released on Friday September 2. The lake could be reopened depending on new test results. Throughout the year, the lake is tested weekly.

During the closure, the following activities are prohibited: swimming, swimming, paddle boarding, tube sliding, water skiing and non-motorized navigation of any kind. No animals are allowed. Fishing areas will remain open, although anglers are urged to thoroughly clean fish and remove tripe.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), high levels of E. coli can result from: faecal waste from swimmers, pets or wild animals; improperly discarded dirty diapers; excessive runoff due to rain or flooding; runoff from urban, suburban or rural areas; or faulty septic tanks. For more information about E. coli, including symptoms of infection, visit CDC.gov/Ecoli.