Madison will start rapid testing at beaches for blue-green algae
The rapid testing system uses a method that detects bacteria in water samples within 2-4 hours. Public Health Madison and Dane County is introducing rapid testing at beaches in an effort to alert people about blue-green algae at Madison-area beaches. The rapid testing system uses a method that detects bacteria in water samples within 2-4 hours, compared to the traditional method that provides results within 18 hours. The department is also piloting a system that allows officials to pre-emptively close beaches with higher levels of bacteria after heavy rains. If an unsafe level of bacteria is detected, the beach is closed for swimming and staff will retest the water every weekday until levels return to normal. Water safety conditions at county beaches can change quickly, so people should not swim in water that looks like pea soup, green or blue paint or a scum layer of puffy blobs floating on the surface.
Diterbitkan : 10 bulan yang lalu oleh emilie heidemann, Emilie Heidemann di dalam Environment
Public health officials this summer are incorporating rapid testing into their plan to alert people to blue-green algae at Madison-area beaches.
The rapid testing system uses a method that detects bacteria in water samples within 2-4 hours compared to the traditional method that provides results within 18 hours, according to Public Health Madison and Dane County.
The health department is also piloting a system that allows officials to pre-emptively close beaches that typically have higher level of bacteria after heavy rains.
"This will allow us to be proactive rather than waiting for results." Jennifer Lavender-Braun, PHMDC microbiologist, said in a statement.
Health department spokeswoman Morgan Finke said she has not noticed an increase in blue-green algae. But it does prompt beach closures throughout the summer.
“Under the right conditions, harmful bacteria and toxins like blue-green algae and E. coli, can grow quickly in the shallow waters along local beaches,” she said.
If unsafe levels of bacteria are detected, the beach is closed for swimming and staff will retest the water every weekday until levels return to normal.
On Friday, Lake Mendota County Park beach was closed because of elevated levels of bacteria after recent rains. Two beaches were closed because of construction, and two hadn't opened yet.
Residents can monitor Madison area beach closures at publichealthmdc.com . You can also report a blue-green algae bloom or swimming-related illness to the Wisconsin Harmful Algal Blooms Program by calling 608-266-4821. or emailing [email protected] .
The health department said water safety conditions at county beaches can change quickly, and so you should not swim in water that looks like pea soup, green or blue paint or a scum layer of puffy blobs floating on the surface, even if you don't seen closure signs posted. Some blue-green algae may even look reddish-purple or brown.
You should also avoid swimming after heavy rain because that can cause bacteria levels in the water to rise. Boating, kayaking or skiing in in water with blue-green algae can be harmful, too, because you can breathe in the cyanobacteria's toxins.
Always look at the water before letting a pet swim or wade, and rinse them off as soon as possible after they are in the water.
And if you have been in water with blue-green algae, rinse off well and monitor yourself for symptoms of illness, according to PHMDC.
Limit the use of lawn fertilizers and don't use fertilizers that contain phosphate, according to PHMDC.
Perform routine maintenance of your septic system, and keep leaves and grass clippings away from storm drains. You can also plant native plants along beach shorelines to keep the water clean.
“Beach days in Wisconsin are limited, so by getting these more real-time results, we’re able to re-open beaches faster following a closure to help families enjoy swimming safely,” Lavender-Braun said.