Bohners Lake beach closed due to bacteria

Local health officials closed the public beach on Bohners Lake in the Town of Burlington Wednesday due to unsafe levels of bacteria in the water.

Officials with the Western Racine County Health Department said the closing serves notice that the water is not safe for swimming and other activities.

The beach will remain closed until water samples demonstrate safe bacterial levels.  Water samples will be collected daily until safe levels are reached, officials said in a press release issued late Wednesday morning.

This is earlier in the season than most years for an ordered closing at any of the four beaches tested regularly by the department.

In addition to the public beach at Bohners Lake, officials also test the water at Aukes and Leach beaches on Bohners Lake and at two sites at the Fischer Park beach on Browns Lake.

In the past, health officials have blamed high bacteria counts on waste generated by waterfowl and other animals that congregate near beaches.

People who have questions regarding the water quality are invited to call the health department at (262) 763-4930.

Beach water quality updates are posted on the department’s Website at www.wrchd.org under the environmental health tab.