Lodi Lake reopens to swimmers after high bacteria levels forced weeks-long closure

Lodi Lake has reopened to swimmers two weeks after a routine testing of the water found high levels of bacteria, forcing its closure.

This week, Lodi Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department said the lake was cleared to reopen and is returning to its regular hours, 12:30 to 6 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

The city of Lodi is offering free swimming at Lodi Lake on Friday. Swim passes normally cost $3.

The city prohibited swimming at the lake on July 3. Officials said laboratory results indicated the bacteria was E. coli, which could have been caused by the heat, stagnant water, and animal waste.

Most types of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. However, a few strains can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting, according to Mayo Clinic.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.