Beach Water Quality
Beach water testing will resume in May 2024.
From May to August each year, Ramsey County tests beach water for E. coli bacteria to identify lakes that may be contaminated with fecal waste. Elevated bacteria levels generally occur after rain events when bacteria from various sources are washed into the lakes. Potential sources of E. coli in lake water include wild and domestic animal waste, organic debris, polluted storm water runoff, sewage spills or sewer line breaks near the beach, leaking diapers or bather defecation.
See the Minnesota Department of Health Waterborne Illness web page for more information on how to reduce your risk of waterborne illnesses when swimming, boating or wading.
Beach Water Status
Each week, two samples are taken from Ramsey County beaches to test E. coli levels. As a safety precaution, Ramsey County will close a beach if If the one-day sample mean exceeds 1260 organisms per 100 mL sample or the 30-day sample mean exceeds 126 organisms per 100 mL sample. Beaches will reopen when sample levels are back within state guidelines.
Detailed Test Results
Each colored bar represents a beach. The gray dotted line represents the beach closure point.
Single Day Sample Mean by Beach
If the one-day sample mean exceeds 1260 organisms per 100 mL sample, the beach will be closed.
30-Day Sample Mean by Beach
If the 30-day sample mean exceeds 126 organisms per 100 mL sample, the beach will be closed.