Minneapolis – A trio of popular Minneapolis beaches has been issued a temporary no-go for swimmers. Elevated E. coli levels have put a 30-day pause on aquatic activities at Bde Maka Ska North Beach, Lake Hiawatha Beach, and Wirth Lake Beach, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. As of August 13, would-be beachgoers must look elsewhere to beat the summer heat.
The closures, brought to the public's attention by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), follow a standard protocol. When the geometric mean of E. coli readings taken from five samples over 30 days tops 126 organisms for every 100 milliliters of water, it's time to roll up the beach towels. This policy ensures that MPRB won't be taking new samples from these water bodies until their next scheduled date on Monday, August 19.
Adding to this aquatic inconvenience, Wirth Lake Beach is the latest addition to the list. In a slight stroke of good news, both Lake Harriet Southeast Beach and Bde Maka Ska 32nd Street Beach have reopened.
For beachgoers who prefer to stay informed, the latest water quality samples can be peeped online at their website.
