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Water Quality Testing at Lake Orono Beach <br />Testing Frequency <br />Lake Orono will be tested for E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria to determine fecal contamination in <br />recreational waters. Elevated bacteria levels generally occur in aquatic environments after significant <br />rain events when bacteria sources are washed into the lake from land. <br /> <br />Lake Orono will be tested twice weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day by taking three <br />samples each day (six samples per week). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency guidelines for <br />impaired water quality notifications will be followed. The beach will be closed if one of the following <br />is found: <br />• Single-Sample Limit: A single result of over 235 organisms per 100 mL of water <br />• Geometric Mean: At minimum five samples equally spaced over a 30-day period exceed 126 <br />organisms per 100 mL of water <br />If a high reading is recorded, additional sampling will be done every day until results meet acceptable <br />limits. Caution will only be posted if a high reading is recorded for at least two consecutive days. <br />Caution will be removed after results return to acceptable limits. <br />Standard for Posting Warning <br />If E. coli levels are above the MPCA guidelines, signage shall be posted on the beach stating, <br />“Caution- Impaired Water Quality- Potential Health Risk if Swallowed.” Daily sampling will be conducted <br />until the levels drops below the guidelines, at which time caution signs will be removed. <br />Notify <br /> Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Streets and Parks Superintendent <br /> Park Maintenance Foreman for placement of signs at Orono Beach and public access <br /> Police Chief and Police Captain <br /> Lake Orono Improvement Association and they will perform a calling tree or email list to <br />lake owners. Current email: info@lakeorono.org <br /> Post notice on city website <br /> City Administrator who will inform Mayor and City Council <br />When Caution is lifted, notify <br /> Parks and Recreation Director <br /> Streets and Parks Superintendent <br /> Park Maintenance Foreman to remove signs from Orono Beach and public access <br /> Police Chief and Police Captain