How you can help Wisconsin monitor water quality at Great Lakes beaches

Wisconsin invites residents to help monitor water quality at Great Lakes beaches, reinforcing the state's ongoing beach health program. Each year, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources asks for input from residents, beach managers and public health officials about changes needed to the Wisconsin beach list, which covers public use and monitoring of Great Lakes beaches in the state. The beach list originated in the early 2000s, and the annual public comment period ensures it stays up to date and reflects any changes in use or status of beaches and boat launches. Sheboygan County recently asked for the Kite Surfing-Clara Avenue beach to be reclassified because land was sold and an apartment complex is being built. The process also supports federal funding for E. coli monitoring, helping officials decide when to close beaches.