Dexterville Beach Closed due to Elevated Counts of E. coli

UPDATED:

WOOD COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) –Dexter County Park Beach Open – Bacteria Count Safe 

Dexter County Park Beach is open for swimming. The water sample collected from the beach yesterday has indicated that the beach water was safe at the time of collection. Please keep in mind that heavy rain can affect water quality and it is advisable to avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours following heavy rain events. 

The Wood County Health Department will continue to test the water quality of Wood County beaches through the end of August. If you have questions regarding water quality testing at Wood County beaches, you may call the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or 715-387-8646, or the Wood County Parks and Forestry Department at 715-421-8422. 

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WOOD COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) – Dexterville County Park beach is closed due to high Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts. An initial beach water sample collected on 07/10/2024 prompted the closure.

The Wood County Health Department routinely conducts water sampling for bacteria at all county beaches throughout the summer. The recent water sample collected from the beach exceeds the maximum level considered to be safe. The most recent count at Dexterville Beach was 1203.3 Most Probable Number (MPN).

The presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates human or animal pollution, and the potential presence of bacteria that can cause illness. Wood County Environmental Health staff will collect samples from the beach and will reopen the beach when the water quality is considered safe for swimming. The beach closure will end when the results are below 235 MPN.

Environmental Protection Agency studies show that high levels of these bacteria can lead to acute gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Symptoms of waterborne illnesses can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor.

Information concerning the reopening of the beach, or water quality testing from Wood County beaches, can be obtained by calling the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or 715-387-8646, or the Wood County Parks and Forestry Department at 715-421-8422.

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