Cascade Beach to remain off limits to swimmers as officials monitor E. coli levels
Update (8/6/20): According to the city, a sample was taken on August 3 and again on August 5 and levels have returned to an acceptable level. Cascade Lake beach will reopen on August 7.
Previous story:
Cascade Lake Beach will remain closed until bacteria levels in the water come back down to an acceptable level, the Rochester Parks and Recreation Department announced Wednesday.
According to the department, samples tested in recent days have shown elevated levels of E. coli in the water. Warning signs discouraging people to swim in the lake had been posted since earlier this week.
“We take seriously our role in ensuring our parks and recreation facilities are safe for our residents and visitors,” said Paul Widman, director of Rochester Parks and Rec. “As such, we have been taking the needed steps as the bacteria levels have been monitored.”
Park officials said bacteria, which is always present in natural bodies of water, can reach high levels as a result of excessive rainfall, wildlife, and extreme heat in shallow bodies of water like Cascade Lake.
The next round of testing will take place on August 3, with results expected to be made available the following day. The parks department works regularly with Olmsted County Public Health to monitor city beaches.
Cascade Beach opened for the first time this past June. With other beaches and pools closed due Covid-related spending reductions, it had been the city’s only available public swimming area.
Cover photo courtesy Rochester Parks and Rec
