MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Public Health Madison & Dane County is launching a new pilot study this summer to better understand what causes E. coli levels to rise at local beaches.
The agency is partnering with Clean Lakes Alliance to collect additional water samples after heavy rainfall, when bacteria levels are often at their highest.
Jennifer Lavender Braun, an environmental health scientist with Public Health, said the project will help researchers identify where the bacteria is coming from and what can be done to prevent future beach closures.
“This kind of work has helped other communities identify specific sources of contamination,” Braun said. “Knowing where the bacteria is coming from can help determine what steps can be taken to reduce it.”
In addition to bacteria monitoring, Public Health also watches for harmful blue-green algae blooms, which can be dangerous to both people and animals.
Public Health staff already monitor more than two dozen Dane County beaches every week during the summer for E. coli bacteria, which can indicate the presence of other harmful germs in the water.
Braun said community members can help reduce bacteria levels by cleaning up trash, covering up trash cans and avoiding feeding birds.
The study will continue through early September, with results expected later this fall. Officials say the findings could help guide future efforts to improve water quality and keep beaches open.
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