This summer, Public Health Madison & Dane County and Clean Lakes Alliance are teaming up on a new pilot study to better understand what causes E.coli levels to increase across the Yahara chain of lakes.
“In addition to our regular beach monitoring efforts, we will collect water samples right after heavy rains, when bacteria often increase. The goal is to help us better understand the sources of contamination, so we can work toward proactive solutions,” said Jennifer Lavender Braun, Environmental Health Scientist for Public Health Madison & Dane County.
Every week during the summer, Public Health Environmental Protection staff sample water at more than two dozen Dane County beaches for the presence of E. coli bacteria in the water.
“We focus primarily on E. coli because it’s the best indicator if there are germs in the water that can make you sick,” said Lavender Braun. “We want to make sure everyone has access to clean, safe beaches and make the community aware when those conditions change.”
Staff also monitor for blue-green algae blooms because they can be toxic to people and animals. Blooms may look blue-green, green, reddish-purple, or brown, and cause the water to be murky.
“Conditions can change quickly, and blue-green algae can grow fast. We’re asking swimmers to be on alert and if you notice the water looks like ‘pea soup’, green or blue paint, or has a scum layer on the surface, it could be harmful, so please avoid swimming in that water,” said Lavender Braun.
It’s easy to stay informed about beach conditions this summer:
- Sign up for email alerts. Subscribe to receive daily email updates about beach conditions.
- Check the website. Staff update the Public Health website when there are any changes in the status of a beach, due to unsafe swimming conditions.
- Look for the signs. Signs are posted at the beach indicating it is closed for swimming.
Report a blue-green algae bloom or illness to the Wisconsin Harmful Algal Blooms Program (WI DHS) or contact Public Health at 608-243-0357 or email lab@publichealthmdc.com.
