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4.9. SR 09-08-2020 Request for Action To Item Number Mayor and City Council 4.9 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Consent September 8, 2020 Amanda Erickson, Environmental Coordinator Item Description Reviewed by Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach Brandon Wisner, Stormwater Coordinator updated for 2021 Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Approve, by motion, the updated Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach Policy Background/Discussion Water quality has been tested at Lake Orono Beach during the summer months since 2011 to ensure bacteria levels are within safe levels for people utilizing the public beach. In 2018, Elk River began monitoring E. coli bacteria rather than fecal coliform, based on Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidance. These standards produce better quality results, lower costs and greater efficiency. Beginning in 2021, Orono beach will be tested twice per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day by taking three samples. If a high reading is recorded, additional sampling will be done every day until results meet acceptable limits. Caution will only be posted if a high reading is recorded for at least two consecutive days. Caution will be removed after results return to acceptable limits. The complete policy and notification process are detailed in the Water Quality Testing Policy. Financial Impact None, water quality lab fees continue to be a yearly budgeted item. Mission/Policy/Goal Provide information to the public regarding safety of public beach, opportunity to live, work, and play Attachments  Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach Policy The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated: August 2020 Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach Testing Frequency Lake Orono will be tested for E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria to determine 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 day (six samples per week). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidelines for impaired water quality notifications will be followed. The beach will be closed if one of the following is found: • 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 If a high reading is recorded, additional sampling will be done every day until results meet acceptable limits. Caution will only be posted if a high reading is recorded for at least two consecutive days. Caution will be removed after results return to acceptable limits. Standard for Posting Warning If E. coli levels are above the MPCA guidelines, signage shall be posted on the beach stating, “Caution- Impaired Water Quality- Potential Health Risk if Swallowed.” Daily sampling will be conducted until the levels drops below the guidelines, at which time caution signs will be removed. Notify  Parks and Recreation Director  Streets and Parks Superintendent  Park Maintenance Foreman 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: info@lakeorono.org  Post notice on city website  City Administrator who will inform Mayor and City Council When Caution is lifted, notify  Parks and Recreation Director  Streets and Parks Superintendent  Park Maintenance Foreman to remove signs from Orono Beach and public access  Police Chief and Police Captain  Lake Orono Improvement Association  Remove from website  City Administrator who will inform Mayor and City Council Effective as of January 1, 2018 Amended September 8, 2020