The City of Mitchell has issued a watch advisory for Lake Mitchell due to bacteria levels. At last night’s Mitchell City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Powell explained the water testing process. He says they test of microcystins and phosphorus. Once microcystins reach 4 parts per billion, the city issues a watch for the lake. At 8 parts per billion, the city issues a bacteria level warning. He says people are not prohibited from using the lake at that point, but should do so at their own risk.
The lake currently has microcystin levels of 5 parts per billion, just over the threshold to issue a watch. Powell anticipates the bacteria level could rise to where a warning is issued this summer. In addition to the signs at the entry points of the lake, Powell says the bacteria levels are posted on the city’s website.