E. coli Bacteria Closes South Metro Lake

BLOOMINGTON, MN — Bloomington’s Bush Lake Beach is closed after water quality tests Tuesday showed levels of E. coli bacteria above the recommended standard. Swimming activities are discouraged until further notice, city officials announced.

The bacteria can sicken swimmers, causing diarrhea, abdominal cramps and occasionally more serious problems. Bush Lake Beach will be closed until further tests can be examined and E. coli levels fall below the recommended standard. The beach could open as early as Friday, Aug. 11.

Multiple cities across the metro area have received similar readings at this time of year regarding water quality, due, in part, to recent heavy rains, according to a news release.

It's not uncommon for Minnesota beaches to be closed due to E. coli contamination in the summer, since it can be produced by waste from geese, ducks and other wild animals, boaters dumping waste overboard and heavy rains resulting in additional runoff.

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For more information, call Bloomington Parks and Recreation at (952) 563-8877.

Photo credit: (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)