Beaches at Lake Harriet, Lake Hiawatha closed due to E. coli contamination

Two beaches in Minneapolis are closed at least through Monday due to high levels of E. coli bacteria, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.

The park board announced on Tuesday that samples taken at Lake Hiawatha Beach and Lake Harriet Southeast Beach exceeded state-specified guidelines. The MPRB said the high contaminant levels could be linked to recent storms and unusually large numbers of ducks and geese.

There have been no reports of swimmers at either beach becoming ill, the park board stated.

Park officials will resample water at the beaches on Monday, and they will remain closed until bacteria levels are within state guidelines.