The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) temporarily closed the Wirth Lake Beach Tuesday when the MPRB’s regular sampling of bacteria found that E. coli bacteria exceeded state specified guidelines. While there have been no reports of any illness from swimmers at this beach, the MPRB routinely monitors and proactively closes its beaches if bacteria levels exceed state guidelines. All other MPRB public beaches are open, as is the Webber Natural Swimming Pool.
The bacteria levels at the Wirth Lake Beach are likely due to bird activity.
The MPRB posts all of its beach bacteria test results online. The MPRB will re-sample the beach Monday, Aug. 29. When the bacteria levels are within state guidelines, the beach will reopen.