By Lena Vasquez, Community Features & Culture Editor

Lake Tahoe is a favorite getaway for many Sacramentans, whether it’s skiing in winter or soaking up sun on the shore in summer. But if you’re planning a trip soon, there’s one area you might want to avoid.

Officials have issued a warning to stay out of the water near Camp Richardson after a sewage leak led to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria. The source of the problem is a broken sewer line at the South Shore resort. Cleanup is underway, but signs have gone up between Jameson Beach and the Valhalla Boathouse, advising the public to stay clear.

No illnesses have been reported yet, and nearby beaches like Pope and Baldwin remain unaffected. But swimming near the leak could come with health risks, especially if lake water is swallowed.

Let’s be honest—everyone knows public pools aren’t always the cleanest. But in this case, the problem goes beyond your usual summer concerns. Until the situation is fully resolved, this part of the lake is best avoided.

If you’ve got your heart set on swimming or floating somewhere nearby, Tahoe’s not your only option. Kings Beach up on the North Shore is still open, and there are other lakes closer to town—like Folsom Lake, Lake Oroville, and Lake Camanche—that offer their own views, beaches, and spots to cool off without the health risks.