For the City Times

WOOD COUNTY – South Wood County Park Red Sand Beach closed on July 9 due to high E. coli counts.

Beach water samples collected on July 8 prompted the closure.

The Wood County Health Department routinely conducts water sampling for bacteria at all county beaches throughout the summer. The recent water samples collected from the beaches exceed the maximum level considered to be safe. The count at South Wood County Park Red Sand Beach was >2419.6 Most Probable Number (MPN).

“The presence of E. coli bacteria in water indicates human or animal pollution, and the potential presence of bacteria that can cause illness,” a health department release said. “Wood County Environmental Health staff will collect samples from the beach, and will reopen the beach when the water quality is considered safe for swimming. The beach closure will end when the results of two consecutive days’ samples are below 235 MPN.

“Environmental Protection Agency studies show that high levels of these bacteria can lead to acute gastrointestinal illness in swimmers. Symptoms of waterborne illnesses can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor.”

For more information, contact the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8911 or 715-387-8646, or the Wood County Parks and Forestry Department at 715-421-8422.