The Rock County Public Health Department issues a water quality advisory for the Rock River and 15 other bodies of water.
Environmental Health Director Rick Wietersen says surface water testing indicated high levels of E. Coli bacteria on The Rock River, Yahara River, Sugar River, Badfish Creek, Turtle Creek, Lake Leota, and several other smaller streams and creeks.
With this level of E. Coli bacteria the water may not be suitable for recreational activities that could result in water ingestion due to the risk of intestinal illness.
The Health department says recent rains have resulted in significant runoff that may be contributing to the high bacteria levels.
