Health Alert: Elevated Levels of E. coli Bacteria at Kings Beach State Recreation Area
UPDATE 8/6/26: Follow-up water quality testing conducted on August 4, 2026 showed levels of E. coli below the established recreational safety threshold. State Parks encourages visitors to continue practicing Healthy Swimming Habits and adhere to all posted advisories.
California State Parks is alerting the public that the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board has identified elevated levels of E. coli bacteria within Kings Beach State Recreation Area (KBSRA). Samples collected in recent days indicate higher levels of the bacteria present at near-shore locations. E. coli is a bacterium found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and serves as an indicator of fecal pollution in the water. While most E. coli strains are harmless and present at low levels in most waterbodies, it is essential to be cautious when concentration levels are elevated.
Given the elevated E. Coli testing levels at Kings Beach State Recreation Area, the public is advised to follow these safety tips:
- Do not drink from any waterbody.
- Keep an eye on pets and wash them with clean water after lake or river play. Provide clean drinking water.
- Avoid swimming with open wounds.
- Shower after going in lakes or rivers.
To reduce your risk of exposure, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Swimming Habits.
Additional E. Coli testing will continue throughout the summer to monitor the water quality. Test results are available on the Lake Tahoe E.coli monitoring map webpage.
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