There has been some social media conversations regarding the water quality of Lake Orono and we’d like to clarify it.
The City of Elk River Parks Maintenance division collects three water samples twice weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The samples are sent to a certified lab to test for E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria to determine fecal contamination. Elevated bacteria levels typically occur after significant rain events when bacteria sources are washed into the lake.
Per MPCA guidelines, the beach is to be closed if a single-sample limit is over 235 organisms per 100 mL of water.
To date, only one sample, collected in June, exceeded the limit. Throughout the summer our sampling has been far below guidelines.
So regardless of what you have heard or read, Lake Orono is clean and safe to use for recreational purposes. Enjoy!