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Water Quality
Racine’s Waterways
Lake Michigan and the Root River are important natural resources for the City of Racine. They supply water for drinking, farming, industry, and recreationActivity done for enjoyment when one is not working., and provide habitat for many plant and animal species. Water quality can affect how residents and visitors feel about the City. Clean water attracts businesses and tourists, and increases the quality of life for Racine’s citizens. This section contains information on Racine’s water quality.
Beaches
Beach Advisories and Closures
North and Zoo Beach are the two monitored beaches in the City of Racine. The water quality is affected by many factors, including rainfall and high waves. The number of closings and advisories remained relatively stable over the years. However, in 2024, we experienced a lower number of closings and advisories compared to previous years.
Source:
City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory
Average Daily Visitors, North Beach
July and August are typically the peak months of the beach season, with daily visitor numbers remaining relatively consistent from year to year. In 2024, July recorded the highest turnout, with 2,161 visitors that month.
Source:
City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory
Root River
Average Yearly E. coli levels
The Root River weaves through the City of Racine and has five sites that are often used for recreationActivity done for enjoyment when one is not working. purposes. These sites have water samples taken weekly to assess quality and safety. Many factors can contribute to elevated E. coli levels and affect the quality of water, including runoff from rain events and snow melting. Overall, the data indicates a yearly increase in levels at the Johnson Park, Horlick, and Chartroom locations, while the Steelhead Facility and Rec Center are experiencing a downward trend.
Source:
City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory
