Dear Editor,

It has come to our attention that the Kosciusko County Health Department has conducted an extensive E.coli study on Tippecanoe Lakes, including Tippecanoe Lake, James Lake and Oswego Lake. This study was in response to numerous calls to the Health Department concerning the bacteria levels in the lakes mentioned above. This concern has grown out of the recent attempt to form a Conservancy District (a special taxing district/unit of government) with the intent to build a sewer system.

The Indiana State Department of Health standard for safe full body contact is E.coli levels below 235 per 100ml of water. The recent sampling was conducted Tuesday, Sept. 5, immediately following a busy holiday weekend with increased occupancy in dwellings. It was the Health Department’s opinion that this day would provide a “worst case scenario.”

According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, 52 samples were pulled around the shore lines of the above mentioned lakes. The results were as follows.

• Maximum E.coli   6.3
• Low E.coli  <1.0
• Average E.coli  1.7

According to the Kosciusko County Health Department, these results are quite low for the increased activity. If you have questions, call the Kosciusko County Health Department.

We received this report by calling the Kosciusko County Health Department (574) 372-2349. We have posted the report on our website for your convenience: www.friendsoftippy.com

If you sign a petition without full understanding the terms or issues surrounding the matter at the time of signing or if you change your mind for any reason, you have the right to request that your name be removed from the petition.  People wishing to have their names removed from the sewer petition should complete and submit the “Remonstrance and/or Withdraw of Signature” form provided at our website: www.friendsoftippy.com or contact one of the Friends of Tippy who have volunteered to provide their names to this letter to answer any questions or concerns.

Friends of Tippy
Tom and Judy Van Meter
Scott and Sarah Hoffacker
Gregg Maxwell
Bob Ragland