25-05-2025
Winton Lake open to recreational activities after sewage leak stopped, E. coli levels low
Winton Lake is open again for the Memorial Day holiday after a brief closure caused by a sewage leak.
The lake is reopened to all recreational activities, including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing, Great Parks officials announced May 24. Swimming has always been prohibited in the lake.
After the source of the contamination was stopped, water testing found the E. coli levels to be below both state and federal standards, leading Hamilton County Public Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman to lift his previous recommendation to avoid the lake.
'It is OK to boat, fish and recreate at the lake," Kesterman said in a news release. "We still recommend good hand hygiene after water recreation."
Metropolitan Sewer District officials believe a sanitary sewer line, which transports sewage from homes, about a mile north of Winton Woods leaked sewage into a creek that fed into Winton Lake. Water testing soon found elevated E. Coli levels in the lake.
Great Parks officials followed health officials recommendations after the "concerning" discharge and suspended all recreational activities May 20.
Winton Woods is a 2,529-acre park located in Springfield Township and Greenhills, north of Cincinnati. Its 113-site campground abuts the lake, which runs through the park.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Winton Lake reopens for recreational activities after sewage leak
