Several bodies of water in Ohio have been placed under health advisory in the past due to high and potentially dangerous levels of bacteria and toxic algae.
Algae blooms are large formations of algae that can cover the surface of a body of water. Microcystin is a toxin produced by algae, and is harmful to humans and animals. Any concentration of microcystin greater than six parts per billion in the water results in a public health advisory. If the levels are higher than 20 ppb, the health department advises that people avoid any contact with the affected water.
Children, elderly individuals, and women who are nursing or pregnant are at particular risk from the contaminated water. People with weakened immune systems or those who are ill are also cautioned to avoid the water.
Generally, bacteria contamination prompts a lower advisory level than toxic algae contamination. Be sure that you check on the conditions before you head to these Ohio lakes.
Below are the bodies of water that have been placed under a health advisory due to contamination. Where available, the area where the contaminated samples were pulled is listed after the name of the body of water.
- Grand Lake St. Marys, Auglaize County - Main East, Main West, Windy Point
Flick/Lake Improvement Association
Flickr/Lake Improvement Associatio Algae blooms have been detected in Grand Lake St. Marys. Samples taken from the water show high levels of microcystin, which is a toxin produced by algae. Residents have been warned to avoid contact with the water. Please note that the above images were taken in 2010 during a different algae bloom event in the lake. The lake’s surface sometimes appears clear. However, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, both bacteria and algae levels in all tested areas of the lake vary, so you can still often consider this spot if you’re looking for places to go swimming in Ohio.
Read more about Grand Lake St. Mary’s State Park. Grand Lake Saint Marys State Park, Grand Lake St Marys State Park, St Marys Township, OH 45885, USA
- Lake Erie, Ottawa, Erie, Cuyahoga, and Lake counties
Flickr/Erik Drost A yellow advisory has been issued for parts of Lake Erie due to water samples that have tested at an unsafe bacterial level. Officials have advised children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
Learn more about Lake Erie. Lake Erie, Lake Erie
- Little Miami River, Clermont County
Flickr/Marc Parts of Little Miami River have been placed under a health advisory due to toxic levels of bacteria. Officials are advising children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution. When things are good, it’s a great beach in Ohio to visit.
Check out Little Miami River. Little Miami River, Ohio, USA
- Lake Logan, Hocking County
Tripadvisor/Sheila S. Parts of Lake Logan have tested positively for high levels of bacterial contamination. Officials have advised children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
See more about Lake Logan State Park. Lake Logan, Falls Township, OH 43138, USA
- Chippewa Lake, Medina County
Tripadvisor/Shari A. Chippewa Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom. Water samples have tested at 10.5 ppb. The lake has not been formally closed to the public, but officials have advised swimmers to exercise extreme caution and for children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid the water completely. Of all the lakes in Ohio, it may not be the best for swimming, but it can be excellent if the conditions are right.
Find out more about Chippewa Lake. Chippewa Lake, OH 44215, USA
- Kiser Lake, Champaign County
Tripadvisor/Shelle D. Levels of microcystin at Kiser lake have tested at 25 ppb, which is well above the safe limit. For this reason, residents have been advised in the past to avoid any contact with the water. Samples in the past have showed microcystin levels of 11.7 ppb.
Read more about Kiser Lake. Kiser Lake, Johnson Township, OH, USA
- Buckeye Lake, Fairfield County - Crystal Beach
Flickr/WorldIslandInfo Buckeye Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom producing high levels of microcystin. The state has issued an elevated health advisory. Residents have previously been cautioned to avoid all contact with the water, so just be sure to check before you go to this lake in Ohio.
Learn more about Fairfield County. Buckeye Lake, OH, USA
Once officials pull two water samples from a body of water that test under six ppb, the health advisory on that body of water will be lifted. Algae levels and advisories fluctuate throughout the summer, so the information above is subject to change as new water samples are taken. Please follow all signs and directions at local lakes and rivers, and stay up to date on water advisories in your area.
Flick/Lake Improvement Association
Flickr/Lake Improvement Associatio
Algae blooms have been detected in Grand Lake St. Marys. Samples taken from the water show high levels of microcystin, which is a toxin produced by algae. Residents have been warned to avoid contact with the water. Please note that the above images were taken in 2010 during a different algae bloom event in the lake. The lake’s surface sometimes appears clear. However, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, both bacteria and algae levels in all tested areas of the lake vary, so you can still often consider this spot if you’re looking for places to go swimming in Ohio.
Read more about Grand Lake St. Mary’s State Park.
Grand Lake Saint Marys State Park, Grand Lake St Marys State Park, St Marys Township, OH 45885, USA
Flickr/Erik Drost
A yellow advisory has been issued for parts of Lake Erie due to water samples that have tested at an unsafe bacterial level. Officials have advised children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
Learn more about Lake Erie.
Lake Erie, Lake Erie
Flickr/Marc
Parts of Little Miami River have been placed under a health advisory due to toxic levels of bacteria. Officials are advising children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution. When things are good, it’s a great beach in Ohio to visit.
Check out Little Miami River.
Little Miami River, Ohio, USA
Tripadvisor/Sheila S.
Parts of Lake Logan have tested positively for high levels of bacterial contamination. Officials have advised children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid swimming. Those who do swim or wade are advised to do so with caution.
See more about Lake Logan State Park.
Lake Logan, Falls Township, OH 43138, USA
Tripadvisor/Shari A.
Chippewa Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom. Water samples have tested at 10.5 ppb. The lake has not been formally closed to the public, but officials have advised swimmers to exercise extreme caution and for children, elderly individuals, and women who are pregnant or nursing to avoid the water completely. Of all the lakes in Ohio, it may not be the best for swimming, but it can be excellent if the conditions are right.
Find out more about Chippewa Lake.
Chippewa Lake, OH 44215, USA
Tripadvisor/Shelle D.
Levels of microcystin at Kiser lake have tested at 25 ppb, which is well above the safe limit. For this reason, residents have been advised in the past to avoid any contact with the water. Samples in the past have showed microcystin levels of 11.7 ppb.
Read more about Kiser Lake.
Kiser Lake, Johnson Township, OH, USA
Flickr/WorldIslandInfo
Buckeye Lake has been affected by a toxic algae bloom producing high levels of microcystin. The state has issued an elevated health advisory. Residents have previously been cautioned to avoid all contact with the water, so just be sure to check before you go to this lake in Ohio.
Learn more about Fairfield County.
Buckeye Lake, OH, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Ohio Lakes July 05, 2022 Danielle Schwartz What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio? The best waterfall hikes in Ohio are definitely some of the most fun destinations to go to in the summer. Charleston Falls Loop Trail, found in Charleston Falls Preserve, is a nice choice, as it’s not too long and still features a big payoff! You’ll only have to walk for 1.8 miles to see the lovely waterfall. If you’re hoping for a bigger water feature, you’ll love Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The waterfall is 65 feet tall! Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? While you can easily look up the most popular parks in the state, there are lots of underrated state parks in Ohio as well! If you’re a fan of being waterfront, head to Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio. The reservoir has beautiful blue water and is perfect if you want to take a dip on a hot day. For a fun family-friendly day, check out Paint Creek State Park in Bainbridge. The kids will love the creek and you can play fun games like miniature golf here as well. Are there any good swimming holes in Ohio? Yes, there are lots of good swimming holes in Ohio! Ludlow Creek is an especially cool swimming hole, as it’s combined with a waterfall and you can swim right underneath it. You can also swing on a rope and let go to plunge into the water. Looking for a really relaxing getaway? Dundee Falls is a peaceful weekend trip to take where you can kick back and feel totally surrounded by nature.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ohio Lakes
July 05, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What are the best waterfall hikes in Ohio? The best waterfall hikes in Ohio are definitely some of the most fun destinations to go to in the summer. Charleston Falls Loop Trail, found in Charleston Falls Preserve, is a nice choice, as it’s not too long and still features a big payoff! You’ll only have to walk for 1.8 miles to see the lovely waterfall. If you’re hoping for a bigger water feature, you’ll love Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The waterfall is 65 feet tall! Which state parks should I visit in Ohio? While you can easily look up the most popular parks in the state, there are lots of underrated state parks in Ohio as well! If you’re a fan of being waterfront, head to Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio. The reservoir has beautiful blue water and is perfect if you want to take a dip on a hot day. For a fun family-friendly day, check out Paint Creek State Park in Bainbridge. The kids will love the creek and you can play fun games like miniature golf here as well. Are there any good swimming holes in Ohio? Yes, there are lots of good swimming holes in Ohio! Ludlow Creek is an especially cool swimming hole, as it’s combined with a waterfall and you can swim right underneath it. You can also swing on a rope and let go to plunge into the water. Looking for a really relaxing getaway? Dundee Falls is a peaceful weekend trip to take where you can kick back and feel totally surrounded by nature.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best waterfall hikes in Ohio are definitely some of the most fun destinations to go to in the summer. Charleston Falls Loop Trail, found in Charleston Falls Preserve, is a nice choice, as it’s not too long and still features a big payoff! You’ll only have to walk for 1.8 miles to see the lovely waterfall. If you’re hoping for a bigger water feature, you’ll love Brandywine Falls in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The waterfall is 65 feet tall!
Which state parks should I visit in Ohio?
While you can easily look up the most popular parks in the state, there are lots of underrated state parks in Ohio as well! If you’re a fan of being waterfront, head to Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio. The reservoir has beautiful blue water and is perfect if you want to take a dip on a hot day. For a fun family-friendly day, check out Paint Creek State Park in Bainbridge. The kids will love the creek and you can play fun games like miniature golf here as well.
Are there any good swimming holes in Ohio?
Yes, there are lots of good swimming holes in Ohio! Ludlow Creek is an especially cool swimming hole, as it’s combined with a waterfall and you can swim right underneath it. You can also swing on a rope and let go to plunge into the water. Looking for a really relaxing getaway? Dundee Falls is a peaceful weekend trip to take where you can kick back and feel totally surrounded by nature.
