On Thursday, May 27, St. Louis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Water Quality Section personnel collected water samples from 11 locations around the lake, including beaches and major tributaries.   Samples were tested for E. coli by a National accredited laboratory.  

The water samples at Mark Twain Lake all tested at 20 c fu/100ml or less. The EPA ’ s recommended maximum is 235 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water (235 cfu/100ml) for beaches.

Currently, Corps beaches are closed due to high water.  Beaches will reopen when lake levels recede to acceptable levels. Week ly E. coli testing of the beaches will continue throughout the open season.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants to remind you to wear your life jacket while on or near the water – it doesn ’ t work if you don ’ t wear it!