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Environmental health staff report beach testing and HAB monitoring across county lakes
Summary
The county’s environmental health specialist said five beaches are being tested for E. coli this summer and the department is monitoring harmful algal blooms, emphasizing public education because visual signs do not reliably indicate toxicity.
Maddie Engebretsen, Environmental Health Specialist, reviewed the department’s lake water-quality monitoring plan and said the department is testing five beaches this summer for E. coli while also watching for harmful algal blooms (HABs).
"Because it is difficult to tell if a bloom is toxic, the department focuses on public education," Engebretsen said, and staff encouraged residents to report algae blooms online or by phone. The presentation noted that warmer temperatures may increase the frequency of blooms and that the county is monitoring conditions and sharing guidance for beach users.
Board members discussed the monitoring approach and where residents can report concerns; no regulatory action was taken at the meeting.
