MILWAUKEE – As Wisconsinites return to local beaches this summer, a new report released on Tuesday warns that more work is needed to ensure that all waters are safe for swimming. In 2024, 77% of Wisconsin Great Lakes beaches tested were potentially unsafe for swimming on at least one day, according to Safe for Swimming?,Wisconsin Environment Research & Policy Center’s latest analysis of bacteria testing. The new research comes as Congress considers funding for the main federal program to stop sewer overflows and runoff pollution.
“Even as Wisconsinites are back to enjoying the fresh sea breeze and splash of waves at the beach, pollution is still plaguing too many of the places where we swim,” said John Rumpler, clean water director at Wisconsin Environment Research and Policy Center and an author of the report. “Now is the time to fix our water infrastructure and stop the flow of pathogens to our beaches.”
To assess beach safety, the group examined whether fecal indicator bacteria levels exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) most protective “Beach Action Value,” which is associated with an estimated illness rate of 32 out of every 1,000 swimmers. Sixteen Wisconsin beaches exceeded this safety threshold on at least one-quarter of days tested last year, with Blue Rail Marina Beach having bacteria levels above the threshold on 62% percent of days tested.
For families who want to know if their favorite beach is currently safe for swimming, the new report also includes information on how to find the latest beach closings and health advisories in Wisconsin.
The water at 102 Wisconsin beaches had potentially unsafe bacteria levels on at least one day in 2024. The following counties had one or more beaches with persistent pathogen problems last year: Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Milwaukee.
Common sources of pathogens in our waters include sewer overflows and runoff pollution. Last summer in Sheboygan, a sewer overflow caused a two day closure of Lakeview Park on Lake Michigan.
Scientists estimate 57 million instances of people getting sick each year in the United States from swimming in polluted waters. Those illnesses can include nausea, diarrhea, ear infections and rashes.
The report recommends major investments to stop sewage overflows and runoff pollution. Smart investments in nature-based solutions and repair of aging systems yield cleaner water. Congress has yet to decide whether to support or slash the Clean Water State Revolving Fund – the key program states rely on for wastewater infrastructure projects – this year.
“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act more than 50 years ago, our nation resolved that we would make all our waterways safe for swimming,” said Rumpler. “It is time for Wisconsin officials to commit themselves to the goal of clean, safe beaches and commit the resources to achieve it.”
