CINCINNATI (WXIX) – All water activities at Winton Lake are off-limits after routine testing found elevated E. coli levels and Great Parks later discovered an active sewage leak near Winton Woods Harbor.
Swimming isn’t allowed at the lake under Great Parks bylaws.
Great Parks said it suspended activities including paddleboarding, fishing, kayaking and canoeing after consulting Hamilton County Public Health and the Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati.
The Ohio EPA was also notified, which Great Parks said is standard practice.
Under guidance from Hamilton County Public Health, Great Parks posted signs urging visitors to wash their hands and avoid swallowing lake water. Handwashing stations were set up near the water’s edge.
Organizers also suspended fishing and water activities at the Kids Outdoor Adventure Expo, but ziplining, rock climbing, golf instruction, archery and other activities — plus Saturday’s 5K, 10K and Kids Adventure Dash — will continue as scheduled.
Great Parks said it is working to flush and repair the damaged pipe and will share updates as they become available. Park alerts and closures are posted at GreatParks.org.
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