If you were planning on going swimming at three specific Missouri state beaches sometime soon, you may want to make other plans.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources says "bacteria levels higher than those recommended for waters used for swimming" are the reason behind the temporary closing of beaches at:
- Grand Glaize Beach, also known as Public Beach #2, at Lake of the Ozarks State Park
- Public beaches at Mark Twain State Park
- Public beaches at Harry S Truman State Park
So, how was the bacteria found? The Department explains:
The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lakes. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria.
And when can visitors to these swimming areas get back in the water?
Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beach will reopen, the Department said.
You can also check on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Beach Status page for status information on these and other Missouri beaches.