VIRGINIA (DC News Now) -- After Helene wreaked havoc across Southwest Virginia, causing flooding and knocking down trees, the Department of Health urged the public to avoid all natural bodies of water across Virginia. This comes after health officials said pollution and debris washed into rivers, lakes and streams during Helene. According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), untreated wastewater from sewage treatment plants and animal waste can be pushed into natural waters that are used for recreational purposes due to excess rainwater. This can pose a risk to human health. One of the lakes in Virginia that is seeing Helene's effects is Claytor Lake. There, a 20-acre debris field settled across the reservoir forcing park officials to shut down the lake. A 20-acre debris field covers part of Claytor Lake in Pulaski County, Virginia September 30. 2024 (George Noleff/ WFXR News) RELATED STORY | Massive debris field covering Claytor Lake contains hazards VDH encourages visitors and Virginians are encouraged to do the following: Avoid contact swimming in natural waterways for three days following rain events. Heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with, including germs from overflowing sewage, polluted stormwater, and runoff from land. Never swallow untreated water and don’t swim if your skin has cuts or open wounds. Wash hands frequently, including after swimming and before preparing and eating food. Shower or bathe after swimming to wash off possible germs and contaminants. Check the water and the area around it before swimming. Avoid going in water if there is a green film on the water or if the water is cloudier than usual. Avoid swimming near storm drains or livestock. Avoid swimming if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Avoid any area where there is water with a foul or chemical odor, dead or dying fish, or discolored water. If taking fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of viscera and internal organs. Cook filets to proper temperature and clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. Follow posted fish consumption advisories. Check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water if your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines. For more information on recreational water safety, click here.