For the fourth time this summer, Chatfield State Park’s swim beach is temporarily closed, after a test showed an unsafe level of bacteria in the water.
Heavy rains and high temperatures may have caused an increase in the level of E. coli bacteria in the water, according to a news release from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
The swim beach was closed three times earlier this summer, on July 7, July 20 and July 27. Each of the closures happened after heavy rains washed over fields, lawns, streets, sidewalks and businesses before draining into Chatfield.
“The temporary closures are unfortunate, but they are essential to protecting the health of our visitors,” Keith Kahler, Chatfield State Park’s assistant manager, said in statement.
The routine water tests are required by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Board of Health. Park staff closed the swim beach, located near Littleton, this morning and took new water samples.
