In order to protect public health and safety, the City of Prior Lake monitors both of our public beaches (Sand Point Beach and Watzl’s Beach at Lakefront Park) for E. coli levels in accordance with Minnesota Rule 7050.0222. The City’s beach testing policy includes:

• Weekly water samples are collected at both sites from Memorial Day through Labor Day
• A beach will be closed if E. coli levels exceed 126 MPN/100 ml as a geometric mean of five samples within any calendar month
• A beach will be closed if more than 10% of all samples taken during any calendar month individually exceed 1,260 MPN/100 ml

A beach may be reopened when further testing shows safe levels
 
Testing for specific disease-producing or pathogenic organisms is difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. Therefore, E. coli is used as an “indicator organism,” providing an indication of the possible presence of other pathogens. E. coli in lakes originates from animal waste (including humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife). E. coli bacteria themselves are not usually harmful but can be associated with other disease-causing bacteria or parasites. Swimmer’s itch is not caused by E. coli but is often found in areas with elevated E. coli levels.

Beach patrons can reduce their impact on beach water quality by leaving their pets at home and by not feeding the ducks and geese that frequent the beach areas. Please contact the Public Works Department at 952-447-9896 for more information about the testing program or lake water quality.

Helpful Resources

Beach Testing Fact Sheet - City of Prior Lake
E. coli information - MPCA
Beach Safety Website - MN Department of Health
Swimmer’s Itch Information - Minnesota DNR

Swimmer Safety

The City receives many inquiries about the safety of the water in the lake related to swimming. Beach visitors can monitor the City’s water quality testing results on this page. Cases of swimmer’s itch are common in Prior Lake. Simple precautions may help to prevent swimmer’s itch and other reactions to surface water. Dry off as soon as you leave the water. Don’t sit around in your wet swimsuit. Rinse with soap and fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. Don’t wade or play in shallow water, especially in weedy areas with lots of snails. Swimming from a raft or pontoon can minimize potential exposure.