On Tuesday, Aug. 9, the Minnesota Department of Health warned people to avoid contact with the water at two North Shore sites.
Water samples collected Monday at the Schroeder Town Park beach and the Grand Marais downtown beach contained elevated levels of E. coli bacteria, indicating the possible presence of fecal contamination. Both areas were scheduled to be re-sampled the following day. At press time, the beach monitoring program website was no longer advising no water contact.
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.
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/. Along with Duluth, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Gooseberry and Tettegouche State Park beaches, the following beaches in Cook County are monitored: Chicago Bay boat launch in Hovland; Paradise Beach, Kadunce Creek, Durfee Creek in Colvill; Old Shore Road, Grand Marais downtown, Grand Marais campground in Grand Marais; Cutface Creek Wayside Rest; Temperance River State Park, Schroeder Town Park and Sugarloaf Cove Beach in Schroeder.
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