Comprehensive Beach Water Quality Data

Ramsey County regularly tests beaches for water quality during beach season, from June through August each year. Ramsey County uses the state E. coli water quality standard to identify water bodies that may be contaminated with fecal waste. Higher levels of E. coli in the water may or may not be accompanied by higher levels and an increased risk of harmful bacteria; varying survival rates of bacteria make is impossible to definitively state when these harmful bacteria are present. Two samples are taken from each Ramsey County beach weekly to test E. coli levels.