4.6. SR 04-02-2018 EGty1� ,.,�� Request for Action
River
To Item Number
Mayor and City Council 4.6
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Consent Aril 2, 2018 Amanda Bednar,Environmental Coordinator
Item Description Reviewed by
Lake Orono Beach Water Quality Testing Policy Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator
Suzanne Fischer,Director COD
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve,by motion, the updated Lake Orono Beach Water Quality Testing Policy
Background/Discussion
Water quality has been tested at Lake Orono Beach since 2011 to ensure bacteria levels of fecal coliform
are within safe levels for people utilizing our public beach. Elk River has tested for fecal coliform levels in
the past and will be switching to E. coli bacteria in 2018. Both provide an indication of possible
pathogens and elevated levels can be disease-causing to humans. The Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency changed the criteria for detecting pathogens levels from fecal coliform to E. coli standards
recently by the recommendation of the Environmental Protection Agency. The new standards produce
better quality results,lower cost, and greater efficiency.
Orono beach will be tested twice per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day by taking three
samples. When elevated levels of bacteria are present, a potential health risk warning will be posted. The
complete policy and notification process is detailed in the Water Quality Testing Policy.
Financial Impact
None,water quality lab fees continue to be a yearly budgeted item.
Attachments
■ Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach Policy
The Elk River Vision
A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1
Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach
Testing Frequency
Beginning in 2018, Lake Orono will be tested for E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria. This measure
determines fecal contamination in recreational waters. Elevated bacteria levels generally occur in
aquatic environments after significant rain events when bacteria sources are washed into the lake
from land.
Lake Orono will be tested twice weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day by taking three
samples each time for a total of six samples per week in a 30-day period. We will follow the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidelines for impaired water quality notifications. Two types
of results will close a beach:
■ Single-Sample Limit: A single result of over 235 organisms per 100 mL of water
■ Geometric Mean: At minimum five samples equally spaced over a 30-day period exceed 126
organisms per 100 mL of water
Standard for Posting Warning
If E. coli levels are above the MPCA guidelines, signage shall be posted on the beach stating,
"Caution-hnpaired VaterQuality-Potential Health Disk if SP)allonvd."Daily sampling will be conducted
until the levels drops below the guidelines, at which time caution signs will be removed.
Notify
■ Parks and Recreation Department for placement of signs at Orono Beach and public access
■ Police Chief and Police Captain
■ Lake Orono Improvement Association and they will perform a calling tree or email list to
lake owners. Current email: cepart(cacharter.net
■ Place information on News Flash on city website
■ City Administrator who will inform Mayor and City Council
When Caution is lifted
■ Notify Parks and Recreation Department to remove signs from Orono Beach and public
access
■ Police Chief and Police Captain
■ Lake Orono Improvement Association
■ Remove News Flash from website
■ City Administrator who will inform Mayor and City Council
Effective as of January 1, 2018