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The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley Water Board) warned residents Thursday of elevated levels of E. coli at Avocado Lake Swim Beach.

The board announced that a sample collected on July 30 contained levels that surpassed the Statewide Bacteria Water Quality Objectives, designated to protect recreational users from potential risks of contamination of E. coli.

“Given the recent elevated E. coli levels at Avocado Lake Swim Beach, the Fresno County Department of Public Health advises the public to avoid swimming in the lake until further notice,” a news release issued by the Fresno County Department of Public Health warned Thursday.

The Central Valley Water Board surveys water quality data for many Valley lakes and rivers, with weekly E. coli samples collected in selected watersheds and results updated in an interactive map updated each Friday.

The map shows Avocado Lake as the only watershed along the Pine Flat and Kings River regions in Fresno County to contain elevated levels of the bacteria.

The department said that while most strains of the bacteria are harmless, elevated levels may pose higher risks of illness for swimmers and others who interact with contaminated water.

Visitors in the area are urged to avoid swimming in the lake until further notice, with the department also urging visitors of all lakes and rivers to refrain from drinking, cooking with, or washing dishes in river or lake water. It additionally recommends thoroughly washing after swimming, especially before eating.

The County of Fresno will continue to work with the Central Valley Water Board to monitor water quality at the lake. Additionally, the Fresno County Department of Public Health will utilize syndromic surveillance and continue monitoring for elevated E. coli cases.