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Last updated on Wednesday, August 8, 2007
(UNDATED) - A new study by a national environmental group indicates some of Indiana’s 30 beaches are increasingly dirty.
The Natural Resources Defense Council's annual "Testing The Waters" guide claims Washington Park in Laporte County exceeded national standards for e. coli bacteria 31 percent of the time in 2006.
The NRDC says Indiana Dunes State Park East in Porter County exceeded those same standards about 20 percent of the time.
The beaches closed most often because of water contamination were Washington Park at 12 days and Whihala East End in Lake County at nine days.
Laporte County Environmental Health Supervisor Tony Mankuso says high e. coli levels are usually caused by storm water runoff and sewage overflow. Exposure to the bacteria can cause ear, nose and throat infections. In some cases, it can also lead to hepatitis and dysentery.
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