The Clay County Parks Department closed Camp Branch Swim Beach On July 18th at the recommendation of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Blue-Green Algae levels at the beach were higher than safely recommended by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Today, July 23rd, the Parks Department notified the public on its Facebook page that Camp Branch Beach is now open, however, a swimming advisory has been issued for the beach because of elevated levels of E. coli.

“E. Coli is naturally occurring and can happen after heavy rains or from various wildlife,” states the release. Clay County follows the same procedures as the state of Missouri when other beaches have an elevated E. Coli reading. We have posted signs at Camp Branch Beach.”

Camp Branch and Little Platte Beaches are tested weekly and the results are posted on the Clay County Website .

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this report