E. coli detected in ‘high levels’ near popular South Lake Tahoe beach site
The U.S. Forest Service said Friday that water samples collected near Camp Richardson Resort on the south side of Lake Tahoe showed “high levels” of E. coli due to a sewer leak.
The agency’s Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit was not yet aware of anyone who fell ill because of the bacteria, which can cause stomach infections, but said people should avoid swimming between Jameson Beach and the Valhalla Boathouse.
“Tests in nearby shoreline locations do not indicate elevated bacteria levels and no other areas of Lake Tahoe have been affected,” Forest Service officials said in a news release.
Repairs to the leaking sewer line were underway, and federal and state officials are collecting water samples and monitoring the bacteria level. The agency said signs advising people to avoid the area will be removed when the water level meets a safe level.
Camp Richardson is about halfway between South Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, located along Highway 89.
This story was originally published August 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM.
