One of Three Beaches Closed Now Back Open

On Wednesday, Hennepin County Public Health told KSTP.COM three beaches were closed because of health concerns.  On Thursday, one of those beaches was already back open.

Public Health Supervisor Duane Hudson said his department tests water at 31 beaches each Monday.

They test for a single organism.  Hudson said if that organism is present, it signals the likelihood that other, pathogenic bacteria like E. coli may be in the water.

That indicator organism was found at Snelling Lake Beach at Fort Snelling, Wychwood Beach in Mound, and at Wekota Beach in Tonka Bay.  Those beaches were then closed to swimming.

On Thursday, a spokesperson for the City of Tonka Bay told KSTP.COM that Wekota Beach was back open.

Hudson said this week's test results aren't surprising given the amount of rain that fell Sunday night.  That rain water washes over the ground, carrying material into lakes and rivers.

"We usually see a spike in bacteria counts after a significant rain event," said Hudson.

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