The Minnesota Department of Health beach monitoring program continues and another North Shore beach received a “no water contact” advisory last week. However, the warning, issued on Tuesday, July 31, was lifted the next day. On August 1, the Department of Health gave the “all clear” for the beach at Kadunce Creek in Colvill.
Water samples collected July 31 at the Kadunce Creek beach east of Grand Marais contained elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, indicating the possible presence of fecal contamination. However, the re-testing the next day found that the water had returned to acceptable levels and the Kadunce Creek beach now has a “water contact acceptable” rating.
Other beaches that received advisories on July 31 include Agate Bay Beach in Two Harbors; 20th Street/Hearding Island Canal Beach at Park Place, Duluth and Sky Harbor Parking Lot Beach in Duluth. The advisory was lifted for the Two Harbors beach on August 1, but the advisory remains in place for the two Duluth beaches.
Beach monitoring is conducted at the following beaches in Cook County: Chicago Bay boat launch in Hovland; Paradise Beach, Kadunce Creek, Durfee Creek in Colvill; Old Shore Road, Harbor Park in Grand Marais, Recreation Park campground in Grand Marais, Cutface Creek Wayside Rest; Temperance River State Park, Schroeder Town Park and Sugarloaf Cove Beach in Schroeder. At press time, all had “water contact acceptable” ratings.
A number of factors, such as dog, geese and other wildlife feces, dirty diapers, failing septic systems and sewer line breaks and overflows, can contribute to higher levels of illness-causing bacteria.
The Minnesota Lake Superior Beach Monitoring Program offers the following tips to minimize risks associated with potential water contamination. Its website recommends waiting 24 hours before going swimming after a heavy rainfall and showering after swimming or recreating at the beach. It also advises that beach goers do not swallow water and that they try to keep face and head out of the water. The website says to wear earplugs and goggles if possible. Finally, it advises people with weakened immune systems not to swim.
Anyone who becomes ill after contacting beach water is asked to contact the Minnesota Department of Health at (877) 366-3455.
To find the latest results of beach monitoring for North Shore beaches, visit www.pca.state.mn.us/water/beaches/.
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