The Minnesota Department of Health beach monitoring program continues and last week two North Shore beaches received “no water contact” advisories—the beach at Temperance River State Park and the Sugarloaf Cove beach.
Each beach was tested on July 1, 2013 and elevated E. coli bacteria levels indicated the possible presence of fecal contamination. Both beaches were retested on July 2 and fecal indicator bacteria levels had returned to acceptable levels. The no water contact advisories were removed on July 3.
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. If possible, the website says to wear earplugs and goggles. Finally, it advises people with weakened immune systems not to swim.
Beach monitoring is also conducted at these 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; and Schroeder Town Park in Schroeder. At press time, all also had “water contact acceptable” ratings.
Anyone who becomes ill after contacting beach water is asked to contact the Minnesota Department of Health at (877) 366-3455.
To find out if a beach you plan to visit has a “water contact acceptable” rating, visit http:// www.MNBeaches.org.
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