FAQs • Lakeville, MN • CivicEngage

How harmful are E. coli bacteria?: Some strains of E. coli can make people sick if ingested with water at swimming
facilities. In general, however, the E. coli test is used as an indication that some
harmful organisms may be present at a swimming facility.

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Water Monitoring

1. Are there lifeguards at Lakeville's beaches?: There are not lifeguards at any Lakeville beaches. Swim at your own risk and stay within designated swimming areas only.

2. Are the lakes safe to swim in?: Generally beach water is safe to swim in, although accidental drownings and
waterborne illness are always a concern. Lakeville beach water is sampled weekly to
ensure that the water meets the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
proposal for water bacteria levels.

3. What do we look for when we sample?: The most current MPCA recommendations for beach water sampling are to test for
the presence of Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli is one of the intestinal organisms
found in warm-blooded animal waste. It is therefore a good indicator of fecal
contamination.

4. Why are swimming beaches sometimes closed?: Several factors can cause bacterial levels to increase, which can result in a beach
closing. Some of the reasons for increased bacterial levels may be swimmer load
and swimmer practices; high water temperature, waterfowl droppings, animal wastes, rainfall and low water levels. When lab results indicate increased levels of bacteria, such as E. coli, city staff has to determine what measures need to be taken to protect the public health. These measures may include more frequent testing,
removing waterfowl, and educating users on personal hygienic practices at the beach.

5. When do you open the swimming beach once it is closed?: City of Lakeville staff will reopen the closed beach when E. coli levels fall below the
proposed MPCA water bacteria acceptable ranges. In late summer during low water
levels and high temperatures, bacterial levels may remain above acceptable levels
for a prolonged period of time. This sometimes causes such beaches to remain
closed longer than when the water temperature is cooler or if the water levels are
higher. City of Lakeville staff will open the beach as soon as it is safe to do so, but
always keeping the public’s health in mind.

7. How harmful are E. coli bacteria?: Some strains of E. coli can make people sick if ingested with water at swimming
facilities. In general, however, the E. coli test is used as an indication that some
harmful organisms may be present at a swimming facility.