Beach & Lake Water Quality
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, we test water at the beaches below.
We test for E. coli bacteria and blue-green algae and their toxins to protect swimmers and other recreational water users. If a water test is concerning, the beach will close for swimming until levels of E. coli bacteria or blue-green algae go down.
Before Swimming
- Always look at the water around you before you get in. Conditions can change quickly, and a test result may not always reflect the current water quality.
- Avoid swimming after a heavy rain because bacteria levels in the water may be high.
- Avoid contact with blue-green algae blooms. They may look blue-green, green, reddish-purple, or brown, and cause the water to be murky.
- Do not swim or let your pet swim if signs say the water is closed for swimming due to blue-green algae blooms or high bacteria levels.
- Be aware of any signs about swimmer's itch, a skin rash caused by tiny parasites found in water. Visit the state health department's page on swimmer's itch for more information on cause and treatment.
- Learn more in our blog post!
Beach Map
Beach Conditions
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BB Clarke Beach Closed for Season
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Bernies Beach Closed for Season
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Brittingham Beach Closed for Season
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Esther Beach Closed for Season
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Frost Woods Beach Closed for Season
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Goodland County Park Beach Closed for Season
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Hudson Park Lake Access Point Closed for Season
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James Madison Beach Closed for Season
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Lake Mendota County Park Beach Closed for Season
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Maple Bluff Beach Park Beach Closed for Season
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Marshall Beach Closed for Season
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McDaniel Park Beach Closed for Season
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Memorial Union (Pier) Closed for Season
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Olbrich Beach Closed for Season
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Olin Beach Closed for Season
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Outdoor-UW Pier Closed for Season
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Schluter Beach Closed for Season
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Spring Harbor Beach Closed for Season
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Stewart County Park Beach Closed for Season
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Tenney Beach Closed for Season
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Tong Marina T-Dock Closed for Season
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Troll Beach Closed for Season
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Verona Fireman’s Park Beach Closed for Season
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Vilas Beach Closed for Season
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Warner Beach Closed for Season
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Willow Drive/Lot 60 Boat Launch Closed for Season
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Willows Beach Closed for Season