EL DORADO COUNTY—If you’re planning a trip to South Lake Tahoe, officials are urging beachgoers to stay out of the water in a section of the lake near Camp Richardson due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
According to the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, water samples collected near Camp Richardson Resort revealed unsafe concentrations of Escherichia coli, prompting an advisory covering the shoreline from Jameson Beach to the Valhalla Boathouse. The discovery led to an immediate inspection that identified a leaking sewer line near the resort. Repairs are currently underway.
No illnesses have been reported, but warning signs have been posted and officials are asking the public to avoid swimming, paddling, or any water contact in the affected area until further notice. Additional samples are being collected daily to monitor bacteria levels.
While tests near Jameson Beach and Valhalla Boathouse did not exceed state standards, officials issued the advisory out of an abundance of caution. Other parts of Lake Tahoe remain unaffected, with recent tests showing no elevated levels elsewhere.
The Forest Service is working closely with Camp Richardson Resort, El Dorado County Environmental Management, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency. Together, agencies are actively investigating potential contamination sources, continuing water sampling, and monitoring conditions to determine when it’s safe to lift the advisory.
E. coli is commonly found in the environment and in the intestines of people and animals. In high concentrations, it can cause illness. The Centers for Disease Control advises against swallowing lake water and recommends washing hands after contact with natural water sources. For more information, visit the CDC’s E. coli prevention page.
Lake Tahoe beaches are routinely tested for safety throughout the summer. In this case, officials say the system worked as intended, catching the contamination before any illnesses occurred. The advisory will remain in place until water quality meets safety standards.
Copyright © 2025, El Dorado County Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
