Half of Minneapolis' public beaches are closed due to high bacteria levels

Six Minneapolis beaches are closed to the public, after testing revealed high levels of bacteria including E. coli in the water.

Beaches that are currently closed include Bde Maka Ska's North Beach, 32nd Street Beach and Thomas Beach, Lake Harriet's North and Southeast Beach, and Hiawatha Beach.

All the beaches that are closed contained high E. coli readings, making it unsuitable for humans to swim in.

Minneapolis Parks and Recreation told Axios Twin Cities that the number of closures is high for this time of year, and is due to the heavy rainfall experienced in the Twin Cities over the past month.

E. coli infections can lead to watery diarrhea, stomach pain and other digestive symptoms. It can also cause bloodstream infections, gall bladder infection, infect open wounds and in rare cases pneumonia and meningitis.

The beaches will reopen when readings have returned to safer levels.