HARLAN COUNTY LAKE, Neb. -- Due to high E. Coli concentrations, officials at Harlan County Lake have closed the Gremlin Cove Beach.
E. Coli levels are currently 365.4 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. Levels above 235 colonies per 100 milliliters of water can cause a safety concern. Officials with the Lower Republican Natural Resource District will retest the water weekly starting on July 7, 2025, at Harlan County Lake beaches, and results will be available at the Nebraska DEQ Beach Watch website. The beach will remain closed until levels fall below 235 colonies per 100 ml water.
E. coli populations measured from beach samples, as recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies, are used as the most representative and measurable human health concern at swim beaches.
USACE beaches may be temporarily closed for a variety of safety reasons to include high water levels, bacterial contamination and blue-green algae blooms throughout the summer recreational season.
When conditions dictate, temporary closure signs will be placed at the beach entrance to inform the public and a comprehensive list of closures will be available on the Kansas City District Lake web pages, Kansas City District > Locations > District Lakes (army.mil).
For more information about the status of Gremlin Cove Beach, please contact the Harlan County Lake project office at 308-799-2105 or harlan.county@usace.army.mil.
Release no. 25-013