Marathon County Health Department Launching Beach Monitoring Program
Saturday, May 31st, 2025 -- 9:00 AM
The Marathon County Health Department is launching a new beach monitoring program this summer designed to give residents and visitors up-to-date information about water quality at four popular county parks with designated swimming areas: Big Eau Pleine Park, Dells of Eau Claire Park, Mission Lake Park, and Sunny Vale Park.
Through weekly water testing, this program will help families and beachgoers make informed choices about swimming and recreating at our local beaches.
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, water samples will be collected weekly at each beach. If testing shows bacteria levels are higher than recommended safety thresholds, the Health Department will issue an advisory, but the beaches will remain open.
To help visitors make an informed decision:
- Signs will be posted at each beach location noting the current risk level
- Test results and advisories will be available at: www.MarathonCounty.gov/beaches.
Natural bodies of water can occasionally contain elevated bacteria levels due to rain, runoff, or other environmental factors. Elevated bacteria levels can increase the chance of illness, including:
- Sore throat or respiratory infection
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Ear, eye, and skin infections
- More serious conditions such as meningitis and hepatitis
"Children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to waterborne illnesses," said Kate Florek, Environmental Health and Safety Director at the Marathon County Health Department.
"We want to provide people with accurate, timely information, not to limit activities, but to help them enjoy our county beaches safely and confidently this summer."
Before heading to the beach, residents are encouraged to check water conditions. Current risk levels and test results are posted at: www.MarathonCounty.gov/beaches.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.