Rochester's Cascade Lake Beach Shut Down

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Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - Rochester’s only true spot for public beach and swimming fun this summer has been taken away - temporarily.

The city Parks & Recreation Department Wednesday voluntarily shut down Cascade Lake Beach after testing revealed high levels of bacteria.

The department earlier posted advisories about the contaminated water but kept the site open. Tests taken Tuesday revealed the higher levels.

According to a press release from the department, “ With the health and safety of all park users in mind, Parks & Recreation has voluntarily closed the beach until test results return to an acceptable level.”

The specific bacteria that was showing elevation was E. Coli. Excessive rainfall, extreme heat in shallow bodies of water, which Cascade Lake is relatively shallow, and wildlife can all be common causes for bacteria levels to increase.

Cascade Lake will be tested again August 3, with the results being available the following day. Until then, the beach and lake will be voluntarily closed.

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