The beach at Watkins Mill State Park was officially reopened on August 28, 2023, after a brief shutdown due to higher-than-normal levels of E. Coli in the water. The beach which seems to experience periodic closures each summer due to elevated levels of E. coli, has led some locals to question the cleanliness of the lake. Tisha Holden, Division Information Officer for Missouri State Parks, attributed the closures to heavy rainfall events, which can lead to a spike in E. coli outbreaks in freshwater lakes. This phenomenon has been observed not only at Watkins Mill but also at several other beaches across the state where flooding events have occurred.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MO DNR) monitors water quality at designated swimming beaches throughout the state park system. Weekly water samples are taken during the recreational season and are analyzed at the Environmental Services Program laboratory in Jefferson City. The analysis focuses on E. coli, a bacteria species commonly used as an indicator of bacterial contamination.
Holden explained that E. coli levels tend to rise after heavy rain due to storm runoff carrying animal waste from the ground into streams and lakes. While it is normal for natural bodies of water to contain bacteria, elevated levels can pose health risks. MO DNR follows state law and posts signs advising against swimming if the weekly water quality sample results indicate E. coli levels exceeding 190 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) emphasizes that practicing healthy swimming habits can mitigate the risk of waterborne illnesses. Despite the presence of naturally occurring bacteria and potential pollutants in bodies of water, DHSS provides guidelines to help people enjoy natural water bodies safely.
Read more about healthy swimming habits here:
To provide accurate information to the public, MO DNR regularly updates the status and water quality data of state park beaches, including Watkins Mill. The posted sample results offer insight into water quality at specific times, although they might not represent the overall condition of the entire water body.
Before heading to any public beach in Missouri, visitors are encouraged to consult the beach status information and water quality data available on the Missouri DNR website. By staying informed and adopting healthy swimming practices, citizens can continue to enjoy the beauty of our nearby lakes while minimizing health risks associated with elevated E. coli levels.
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