PEWAUKEE NEWS

Pewaukee Lakefront Park beach closed for algae testing; June 28 ski show canceled

Jordyn Noennig
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Lakefront Park beach is closed as the parks and rec department tests for blue-green algae on June 28. This picture depicts swimmers enjoying the Lakefront Park beach on Sunday, June 17, 2018

VILLAGE OF PEWAUKEE - The Pewaukee Parks and Rec department has closed the Lakefront Park beach to test for blue-green algae.

The decision also caused the Pewaukee Lake Water Ski Club to cancel its usual Thursday night ski show, according to a Facebook post. 

Park and recreation officials found algae on west side of the fishing pier, and took it in for testing around noon on Thursday, June 28.

While the algae is being tested, the beach will be closed as a precaution, according to Recreation Supervisor Monica Kaskey. 

"If they find the test is positive, we will have to continue to test and continually update the status of the beach," she said. "As a precaution, people cannot go in the water right now."

Blue-green algae has been an issue in the past for Lakefront Park. The beach was closed around the same time last year during the Clean Water Festival and Pewaukee Kiwanis Beach Party.

Water quality tests conducted in advance of the celebrations, on June 22, 2017, showed algae levels high enough to shut down the beach, and led to the cancellation of most of the water-based activities for the Clean Water Festival.

Winnebeergo will still be serving beer tonight at its usual spot at Lakefront Park. A portion of sales will go to the ski team as usual. Thanks to the possible blue-green algae an additional portion will go to the Lake Country Clean Water Association. 

The rec department only tests the water near Lakefront Park and does not have jurisdiction over the rest of Pewaukee Lake.

Exposure to blue-green algae can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, fever, muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. To learn more go to www.dnr.wi.gov/lakes/bluegreenalgae/.

To stay updated on the Lakefront Park closure visit the joint parks and rec page at www.cityofpewaukee.us