A sanitary sewer backup has caused all Lake Nokomis beaches to be closed until further notice.
Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Lake Nokomis 50th Street Beach were closed as of Monday for cleanup.
Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board spokeswoman Robin Smothers told the Pioneer Press this is the first time in her 13 years of working with the board that a sewer leak has happened.
“We test our beaches for E. coli and other bacteria on a regular basis,” Smothers said.
She said when sewage gets into the water it can introduce E. coli and other bacteria which can be a dangerous health hazard.
“We have a water quality team and as soon as it was discovered, the overflow was stopped, cleanup occurred and our water quality team is out looking at and testing the lake,” Smothers said.
The board has a real-time geographic information systems map on their website showing the water quality of all beaches, wading pools, natural swimming pools and water parks.
Those interested in staying updated on the water quality of Lake Nokomis beaches can visit minneapolisparks.org/beaches and click the “Check the map” link.
