Devil’s Lake north shore beach reopens after levels of E. coli return to safe zone

The Devil’s Lake north shore beach is now open after it was closed because of high levels of E. coli, according to the state park’s website.

The beach reopened at noon Friday after water samples taken Wednesday and Thursday showed that levels of E. coli were back within the safe zone.

The north shore beach was closed after high levels of E. coli were found in a water sample collected Monday. The park was required to close the beach area to swimmers until the water sample showed E. coli at safe levels.

The south shore beach remained open, along with the north shore picnic areas and trails.

E. coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans, officials said. The presence of E. coli in water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination.