Some Carlton County lakes found to have high levels of fecal matter

Talk about it

Currently two Carlton County lakes have been found to have elevated or high levels of E. coli or fecal matter in testing conducted for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.

Moosehead Lake has had high levels of E. coli near the campground. Swimming is not recommended.

Big Hanging Horn Lake has elevated levels of fecal matter near the south end and swimmers should avoid that area.

Both lakes will be routinely sampled until the tests show the areas with acceptable bacteria levels. Lakes were chosen because they have active bypassing of sewage facilities. Residents with questions can check the MPCA’s website for beach information at http://www.mnbeaches.org/.

What to do if your beach is not monitored regularly:

- Avoid swimming after a heavy rain.

- Look for storm drains along the beach. Don’t swim near them.

- Look for trash and such other signs of pollution as oil slicks in the water. These kinds of pollutants may indicate the presence of disease-causing microorganisms that may also have been washed into the water.

If you think your beach water is contaminated, contact your local health or environmental protection officials. It is important for them to know about suspected beach water contamination so they can protect citizens from exposure.

~ Carlton County Press Release

Tags: carlton county, flood 2012