WOOD COUNTY, WI (OnFocus) -South Wood County Park White Sand, Red Sand, and Dexterville beaches are closed due to high Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts.
Initial beach water samples collected on 08/10/2021 prompted the closures. The Wood County Health Department routinely conducts water sampling for bacteria at all county beaches throughout the summer. The recent water samples collected from the beaches exceed the maximum level considered to be safe. The most recent count at South Wood County Park White Beach was >2419.6 Most Probable Number (MPN), at Red Beach was 1413.6 Most Probable Number (MPN), and at Dexterville Beach was 1119.9 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 beaches, and will reopen the beaches when the water quality is considered safe for swimming. The beach closure will end when the results of two consecutive days’ samples 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 beaches, 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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Author: News Desk
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