TWO RIVERS, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A beach in Two Rivers that was closed because of elevated levels of E. coli bacteria has reopened, however, there is still a swimming advisory for Neshotah Beach.
While swimming isn’t prohibited it, it isn’t recommended.
“If you ingest the water in any way, then you could become sick. I mean, if you’re just standing in it, it wouldn’t be a huge deal. But we always say don’t risk it, especially if you have kids,” says Carmen Thiel, the director of the lab at UW-Oshkosh that conducts the water testing.
But the water quality does seem to be improving according to Thiel.
Contamination spikes can be caused by a number of sources, including flocks of birds and other wildlife.
But this time, it was likely due to the stormy weather earlier in the week.
“Usually if we see a big rain event such as this one it’s due to the stormwater that’s coming in. Everything from the landscape, the surrounding watershed, is just being flushed into the water,” according to Thiel.
Thiel added levels typically return to normal in a couple days.
And for some at Neshotah Beach, the water wasn’t even a concern.
Elin Bjork of Green Bay and her friend were taking the day off to enjoy a little sun and some sand.
“The water is not warm enough to swim in yet this year…… we are here relaxing. We both needed a day of relaxation today and we came to enjoy ourselves and listen to the rolling waves and the seagulls and have a picnic and we are enjoying ourselves immensely,” says Bjork.
According to the Wisconsin Beach Health website, Neshotah beach still has elevated levels of the bacteria.
Fischer Park Beaches and Hika Bay Park are now closed because of E. coli, however.
Advisories are in place for three other beaches in Manitowoc County.
Elevated E. coli levels can also indicate the presence of other contaminants, so symptoms aren’t just confined to those of E-coli.
If you start to feel any sort of illness after swimming, experts recommend seeking medical attention.
