The Fishers Health Department is reporting unsatisfactory E. coli test results at three local water locations following recent testing.

The locations are:

White River at the 116th Street Bridge
Fall Creek at Geist Park
Fall Creek at Canal Place

Health officials say elevated E. coli levels often occur after periods of heavy rainfall. Rain can wash sediment, agricultural runoff, urban runoff, wildlife waste, and other contaminants into creeks, rivers, ponds, and other open-water areas.

The Fishers Health Department and its water quality programs test 40 creek and open-water locations throughout the city. Nine area test results are published monthly during the spring, summer, and fall.

E. coli is a naturally occurring bacteria found in warm-blooded animals and is commonly used as an indicator of possible contamination from fecal matter. While E. coli itself does not always cause illness, its presence can signal that other harmful bacteria or viruses may be in the water.

Health officials say waterborne illnesses can include dysentery, Hepatitis A, and bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. Monitoring for E. coli is considered an important public health measure, particularly in areas where people may come into contact with creeks, rivers, or other open water.

The department also tracks water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. Warmer water can allow bacteria to grow more quickly, especially when combined with sediment and runoff after rain events. Dissolved oxygen is important for fish and other aquatic life, with lower levels potentially harming organisms that live in or near the sediment.

Fishers officials note that the city’s watershed is affected by both urban and agricultural runoff.