The Missouri Department of Natural Resources closed a public beach at the Lake of the Ozarks after it found high levels of E. coli in the water.
The department closed Public Beach #1 at Lake of the Ozarks State Park after a sample taken Monday found that E. coli levels were more than 12 times greater than the level which is considered safe, according to its website.
E. coli and other bacteria are naturally found in ponds, streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. However, the department says many factors can elevate the amount of bacteria to an unsafe level.
Both samples taken by the department show E. coli levels at greater than 2419.6 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.Â
In accordance with state law, the department posts signs notifying visitors that swimming is not recommended when weekly water quality sample results exceeds the equivalent of 190 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters.
Grand Glaize Beach at the Lake of the Ozarks as well as 13 other public beaches remain open across the state. Grand Glaize was also tested Monday and showed E. coli levels of 20.7 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
