Beach at Antlers Park Re-Opens; Valley Lake Still Closed

Lakeville's public beach at on Lake Marion is open again today, but the beach at is still closed due to high bacteria levels.

According to the city's website, Coliform bacteria was found at both beaches last week, resulting in their closure on Friday, July 22.

Steve Michaud, the city's parks and recreation director, said the high levels of bacteria are likely the result of duck and goose droppings. He added that high temperatures and 5-inch rainfall last week exaserbated the problem.

The city has warned that contact with the water is not recommended.

According to health officials, Coliform bacteria may not cause illness itself, but its presence indicates more dangerous pathogens, such as E. coli, could be present.

Coliform bacteria is found naturally in the environment, and in the feces of all warm-blooded animals and humans.

Officials will reopen the beaches once the water is deemed safe again, which wont happen until tests prove the bacteria levels are down.

Lakeville Patch will have more on this story.