Special database: Record beach closings
Gannett News
WASHINGTON - Beaches across the country closed or posted warnings to swimmers a record number of times last year because of high levels of harmful bacteria, evidence that communities should do more to keep vacation beaches clean and safe, according to a national environmental group.
This link will take you to a searchable database of more than 3,500 beaches across the U.S., including 117 in Wisconsin.
http://gns.gannettonline.com/apps/pb...tegory=beaches
RED SIGN
The red sign indicates a more serious health risk to people who
come into contact with the water. When the amount of E. coli in
beach water is found to be at very high levels (more than 1,000
colony forming units per 100ml of water), the “Closed” sign is posted
and visitors are advised to keep out of the water. The sign may
also be posted after events that are associated with increased levels
of E. coli, such as a sewer overflow or large rainstorms, or under
any other circumstances when local health officials determine that
the beach should be closed in the interest of public health.
The sign remains posted until conditions improve and/or the next
water test shows E. coli counts have dropped below this level.
