Minneapolis beaches are monitored between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Beaches have an advisory or are closed when monitoring results indicate an increased risk of getting sick from swimming. Blue-green advisories and beach closures are posted at the beach and on the Lake Water Quality Map.
Before Swimming
- Conditions can change quickly, and testing results may not always show real time conditions, so swimmers should always look at overall conditions before deciding to swim.
- If you can’t see your feet when in knee deep water or there is a blue-green algae scum on the surface or shoreline, it’s best to stay out of the water.
- Blue-green algae blooms and scum can move with the wind, so blooms will shift around the lake depending on weather conditions.
- Swimming is not advisable for 48 hours after a heavy rainfall because bacteria levels in the water may be high.
Know Before You Go
Often, when one beach is closed for swimming, others are open. Check before you head out the door. The Lake Water Quality Map is updated with current beach water quality conditions. You can also subscribe to get email notifications.
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Conditions Can Change Quickly
Many factors can influence water quality:
- Recent weather conditions like wind or rain
- Time of day
- Waterfowl and wildlife at the beach
- Number of people at the beach
- Physical characteristics of the beach.
It’s possible for conditions to vary significantly throughout the day and from day to day.