Public Health closes Spring Harbor beach due to blue-green algae bloom 

On Wednesday, Public Health Madison & Dane County closed Spring Harbor beach at 1918 Norman Way for swimming due to a large blue-green algae bloom in the water, according to a recent press release.

Blue-green algae is a group of bacteria known as cyanobacteria. Contact with these toxins can cause symptoms like stomach upset, rashes, and respiratory irritation. Dogs who ingest harmful algal blooms can also get sick and sometimes die.

The closure, which came after confirming reports of blooms, comes as Public Health Lab staff begin their annual water quality monitoring at local beaches, which goes from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

After initiating a closure, Public Health Laboratory staff check the water quality each weekday until results return to acceptable levels. Once that happens, staff remove the signs at the beach and update the website.