Chatfield State Park's swim beach reopened Sunday after water quality tests, performed to meet Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) requirements, showed bacteria well within the allowable limits, said Keith Kahler, Chatfield State Park's Assistant Manager. The swim beach had temporarily closed on Saturday due to bacteria levels over the allowable limit.

"These tests are performed at least once a week to protect the public," said Kahler. The high levels of the bacteria, E. coli, may have occurred due to recent heavy rains and high temperatures.

Each of the previous closures this summer occurred after heavy rains in the area washed over thousands of acres, including fields, lawns, streets, sidewalks and businesses, and drained into Chatfield. In every instance, the swim beach reopened when subsequent water tests indicated that E. coli levels were within the acceptable standards and no public safety issues were identified.

Water quality testing in natural swimming areas is mandated by the CDPHE and the Colorado Board of Health.

Park staff members who test the water quality at Chatfield Lake are trained to properly obtain the samples. For more information about the swim beach, visit www.parks.state.co.us.