News - Local
Colorado swim beach closed by E. Coli
Posted: Jul 12, 2010 6:30 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Jul 12, 2010 7:54 AM
Chatfield State Park has temporarily closed its swim beach in suburban Denver after routine tests showed high levels of E. coli.
Park staff closed the beach to swimming immediately after getting the test results Sunday morning. Park manager Keith Kahler says the beach could reopen as soon as Tuesday if bacteria levels are back within state health standards.
Kahler says recent heavy rains and high temperatures may be to blame for the high bacteria levels.
Escherichia Coli, named after German physician Theodor Escherich, inhabits the gut of humans and animals. When waste from farm animals, pets or humans is concentrated in water, it can cause illness, including death.
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