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

BB Clarke Beach

BB Clarke Beach  Closed for Season
835 Spaight St

Bernies Beach

Bernies Beach  Closed for Season
901 Gilson St

Brittingham Beach

Brittingham Beach  Closed for Season
701 W Brittingham Pl

Esther Beach

Esther Beach  Closed for Season
2802 Waunona Way

Frost Woods Beach

Frost Woods Beach  Closed for Season
5800 Winnequah Rd

Goodland County Park Beach

Goodland County Park Beach  Closed for Season
2862 Waubesa Ave

Hudson Park Lake Access Point

Hudson Park Lake Access Point  Closed for Season
2713 Lakeland Ave

James Madison Beach

James Madison Beach  Closed for Season
614 E Gorham St

Lake Mendota County Park Beach

Lake Mendota County Park Beach  Closed for Season
5130 Cty Hwy M

Maple Bluff Beach Park Beach

Maple Bluff Beach Park Beach  Closed for Season
Lakewood Blvd

Marshall Beach

Marshall Beach  Closed for Season
2101 Allen Blvd

McDaniel Park Beach

McDaniel Park Beach  Closed for Season
4806 McDaniel Lane

Memorial Union (Pier)

Memorial Union (Pier)  Closed for Season
800 Langdon St

Olbrich Beach

Olbrich Beach  Closed for Season
3330 Atwood Ave

Olin Beach

Olin Beach  Closed for Season
1156 Olin-Turville Ct

Outdoor-UW Pier

Outdoor-UW Pier  Closed for Season
800 Langdon St

Schluter Beach

Schluter Beach  Closed for Season
4517 Winnequah Rd

Spring Harbor Beach

Spring Harbor Beach  Closed for Season
1918 Norman Way

Stewart County Park Beach

Stewart County Park Beach  Closed for Season
3106 Cty Hwy JG

Tenney Beach

Tenney Beach  Closed for Season
1300 Sherman Ave

Tong Marina T-Dock

Tong Marina T-Dock  Closed for Season
800 Langdon St

Troll Beach

Troll Beach  Closed for Season
401 Mandt Parkway

Verona Fireman’s Park Beach

Verona Fireman’s Park Beach  Closed for Season
Paoli St & Bruce St

Vilas Beach

Vilas Beach  Closed for Season
1339 Vilas Park Dr

Warner Beach

Warner Beach  Closed for Season
1101 Woodward Drive

Willow Drive/Lot 60 Boat Launch

Willow Drive/Lot 60 Boat Launch  Closed for Season
801 Walnut St

Willows Beach

Willows Beach  Closed for Season
1975 Willow Drive

Beach Conditions

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