Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department staff have found traces of E. coli bacteria in water running from a cistern fed by a spring near Ohop Lake.

The Health Department cautions people not to use water from the spring or cistern, which is located about a mile north of the boat launch on Orville Road.

The cistern sits within Pierce County’s right of way, and Pierce County Road Maintenance crews are scheduled to remove the cistern by the end of January.

“Because the Health Department has found E. coli at the location, the water does not meet safe drinking water standards, and people should not use it for drinking or other household purposes,” said Brad Harp, program manager in Water Resources and Hazardous Waste.

The Health Department plans to send letters to area residents, explaining the situation.

Many strains of the bacteria Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are harmless, but some produce a toxin that can cause infections.

These infections can lead to severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. Symptoms can take up to nine days to appear, but they typically begin within three or four days.

People with symptoms should get medical care. People most at risk are infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.