Wood County
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) — A Central Wisconsin beach is closed for the time being over bacteria concerns in the water.
According to a release from Ben Jeffrey, the Wood County Health Department Environmental Health Supervisor, North Wood County Park Beach has been closed. The beach is closed due to high levels of E. coli noted in initial beach water samples taken on May 18th. Water samples at beaches are routinely taken by the county Health Department to monitor bacteria levels.
The samples taken on the 18th from the beach exceed the maximum level considered to be safe for E. coli with the most recent count at 2419.6. E. coli in the water likely indicates human or animal pollution. The presence of the bacteria can also likely cause illness. Wood County’s Environmental Health staff will collect samples from the beach, and will reopen the beach when the water quality is considered safe for swimming.
EPA 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, and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, the Health Department recommends that you contact your doctor.
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