Standing flood water looks like a fun new lake, but it`s not: E. coli, sewage lurks

As Wisconsin recovers from severe storms, residents might be itching to swim in standing flood water in streets and backyards as if they were private lakes.

But it`s not safe, health officials say. Flood water can be contaminated with E. coli, sewage and chemicals. Ingestion can lead to serious illness and even kidney failure.

“We don’t know what’s in it,” said Kim Mueller, Fond du Lac County Health Department director. “It’s most important to stay out of it.”...