The swim beach at Chatfield State Park was temporarily closed today after test results showed a high level of E. coli bacteria in the water.
The abnormal level of bacteria was revealed during a routine water quality test, according to a news release from Chatfield State Park.
“These water quality tests are performed at least once a week to protect the public,” assistant manager Keith Kahler said in a statement. “Closures due to high bacteria counts occur very rarely at Chatfield.”
Health officials said the level of bacteria may be a result of recent heavy rains and high temperatures in the park, located near Littleton.
The beach was closed early this morning and new samples are being tested to monitor the bacteria levels in the water.
Test results for the new water samples will be available Friday and the beach will be re-opened if bacteria levels return to normal.
Water quality tests in natural swimming areas are required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Board of Health.
