Although it is officially fall, temperatures are still warm enough to encourage swimmers to visit Arizona lakes. But one popular beach has tested positive for high levels of E. coli, which may put swimmer’s health at risk.
Tonto National Forest officials have detected levels of E. coli higher than recommended for swimming at Butcher Jones Beach along Saguaro Lake. Visitors are still allowed to swim, but signs stating “swim at your own risk” have been placed at the beach and will remain until levels return to normal.
Typically a result of increased fecal matter in the water, higher levels of E. coli may also indicate the presence of other disease causing bacteria, viruses and protozoans. Other beaches in the Tonto National Forest have tested normal and safe for swimmers.
Saguaro Lake and Butcher Jones Recreation Site is located about 37 miles northeast of Mesa.