YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Mill Creek MetroParks officials say they expect to re-open lakes for recreational use in 2016.

"We would anticipate that in 2016 the lakes would be re-opened for recreational opportunitites with some advisory notices posted," said Aaron Young with Mill Creek MetroParks.

The announcement came on Monday as the Mahoning County District Board of Health presented an analysis of data collected during a twelve week water quality study conducted from July through October.

The tests began shortly after 21 News first reported a large number of fish had died at Lake Newport in late June.

Recreational activities at Lake Newport, Lake Cohasset and Lake Glacier have been suspended since early July as a result of the discovery of high E. coli levels.
 

The weekly testing included not only Lake Newport, but the streams that flow into the lake in an attempt to pinpoint the source of the higher than acceptable bacteria.

According to the Mahoning County District Board of Health, data shows rain events greatly impacted bacteria levels. Between July and October, significant increases in E.coli were reported 24 to 48 hours after most rain events.   Those levels, typically, dipped back within a safe range within four days of a rain event.

The health department says there are multiple factors that contribute to the rise in bacteria levels including Youngstown's combine sewer overflows, agricultural fertilizer, animal waste and failing septic systems.  To solve the problem, the health department says residents must be more mindful of their everyday habits.