Come on in, the water's fine. Well, fine as it's ever been. Credit: Photo by Richard Whittaker

Earlier in the week, reader Ben posted this on the blog: “Went to Hippy Hollow over the weekend and the gate-guy said to swim at your own risk (of catching some bacterial infection), that it was a bit like swimming in a toilet. Unfortunately he was underestimating the situation. Anybody have an idea how long it takes the lake to get itself clean again?”

Well, we asked Lower Colorado River Authority spokeswoman Krista Umscheid, and she spoke to their staff bacteriologist, and he said that bacteria levels along the lakes are down to preflood numbers: There are still some pockets of rancid water left, but they should start to clear up soon. “You’re always at risk when you’re swimming in a river or pond or anything except a chlorinated pool,” said Umscheid, “but if you weren’t worried about bacteria before, you shouldn’t be worried now.”

Chronic: You Ask, We Answer.

This article appears in July 13 • 2007.

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The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.