Cascade Lake Beach temporarily closes due to elevated bacteria levels

(ABC 6 News) – The Parks & Recreation Department has been testing the water at Cascade Lake and the bacteria levels were elevated. With the health and safety of all park users in mind, Parks & Recreation has voluntarily closed the beach until test results return to an acceptable level.

The Parks & Recreation department, in partnership with Olmsted County Public Health take regular water samples for testing at the City beaches. There is always bacteria present in natural bodies of water. The tracking is done to determine if numbers elevate above standard levels.

The specific bacteria that was showing elevation was E. Coli. Excessive rainfall, extreme heat in shallow bodies of water, which Cascade Lake is relatively shallow, and wildlife can all be common causes for bacteria levels to increase.

Parks & Recreation Director Paul Widman shared, “We take seriously our role in ensuring our parks and recreation facilities are safe for our residents and visitors. As such, we have been taking the needed steps as the bacteria levels have been monitored. We will provide an updated communication to the community when levels return to state where we can safely open the beach and lake.”

Community members and visitors can check the status of the beach and other aquatic opportunities via the City website.