Atwater Beach Closed Due to E. Coli

If you planned on swimming in Lake Michigan this weekend, think again.

Atwater Beach is one of many Lake Michigan beaches in Milwaukee and Racine counties that has been closed due to high E. coli levels. In the North Shore, Doctor's Park in Fox Point is also closed, and Klode Park in Whitefish Bay is under a bacteria advisory.

The North Shore Health Department has posted signs on the beach advising swimmers not to enter the water.

Jamie Berg, the health officer at the department, said the E. coli levels usually rise after a heavy rain, like the one we received two days ago. 

"Usually when there's a heavy rain it stirs up the bacteria," she said.

While the health department does advise people against going swimming, Berg said those that insist on swimming should be sure not to drink the water, shower immediately after swimming and wash their hands before eating.

The beaches will be tested again on Monday. For updated information on beach closures across the state, visit the Wisconsin Beach Health website.