Bacteria counts have dropped to acceptable levels along the Moose Horn River and several Carlton County lakes after elevated levels were detected in recent weeks, according to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
The high bacteria counts, a possible indication of bacteria that could make people sick if water is swallowed, were blamed on municipal sewage system failures in both Barnum and Moose Lake. Untreated wastewater flowed into the river after both cities' main sewage pumps were ruined in the June flooding.
Moose Lake was able to get parts and fix its pumps and stop discharging sewage into the river Saturday. Barnum officials say they hope to have their system operational again later this week.
The PCA had urged people not to swim in the river and local lakes, which angered some area residents who said the broken sewage situation had gone on too long. Officials said there should be no long-term environmental or human health issues.
With no adverse bacteria levels detected in recent tests, the PCA has stopped testing for bacteria in the river system and won't issue any additional water contact updates unless the situation changes, an agency official said Wednesday.
