MINNEAPOLIS — Two popular metro area beaches are temporarily closed because of elevated levels of E. coli in the water, according to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
Thomas Beach at Bde Maka Ska and Lake Hiawatha Beach are closed as of June 22. Water at these beaches will be resampled on Wednesday, June 23, and the MPRB will reopen them once bacteria levels are back within state guidelines.
The MPRB says the E. coli levels are likely the result of heavy rain from over the weekend that sent more storm water into the lakes. So far, there haven't been any reports of illnesses connected to swimmers at the beaches.
Bde Maka Ska's North Beach and 32nd Street Beach are still open, as is Lake Nokomis' 50th Street Beach and Main Beach, south of Lake Hiawatha.
