A rendering of a remotely-operated warning light for beaches. PC: Fox 11 Online
STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Door County will install remotely operated signs to update the public on the water conditions at five beaches.
The County Board approved the pilot project on a 19-0 vote Tuesday afternoon, with two people absent.
Door County Administrator, Ken Pabich, said the board’s discussion before the official vote was very positive.
“A lot of the comments were very supportive.” said Pabich. “People are pleased to see we are trying to do something a little bit more proactive in terms of trying to get the information out as soon as possible.”
Door County has worked with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to test the water at 25 beaches for bacteria which could make swimmers sick.
“When a beach tests positive, staff needs to update the signage at the beach. This requires physically going back to the beach and placing signage. Since tests take one day to process, there can be a delay in posting a warning or beach closure. In working with UW Oshkosh, they have found a technology that would allow signs that could be update remotely. We would like to try a pilot of the technology at five beaches,” said Pabich, in a memo to supervisors.
The county estimates the equipment would cost about $30,000 to install, plus another $10,000 for operations. The county will use federal ARPA funds to pay for the signs.
The five beaches included in the pilot program are:
Otumba (City of Sturgeon Bay)
Sister Bay Beach (Village of Sister Bay)
Egg Harbor (Village of Egg Harbor)
Frank Murphy (County Park)
Ridges Park (County Park)
The signs are expected to be in place for swimming this summer. If the pilot goes well, more signs could be added to other beaches in the future.
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