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Laboratory
Introduction
The City of Racine Public Health Department – Laboratory Division has highly qualified personnel committed to maintaining the integrity of water resources, coastal recreational areas, and natural spaces. Using innovative methods and industry best practices in the fields of water resource management, environmental planning, habitat restoration, and laboratory technology. Acting as a research entity, frequently engaging in cooperative opportunities with Local (Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network), State (WI Department of Natural Resources), and National (US Geological Survey, US Environmental Protection Agency) partners as well as providing consulting services.
Depth of expertise allows comprehensive services in the areas of environmental monitoring (including pollution source investigation/identification), site assessments/restoration, public access/education, and sustainable best management practices.
2024 Root River Report Card
The 2024 Root River Report Card is a new online resource designed to inform the public about local water quality and promote environmental stewardship.
The Root River is an essential resource for the Racine community, supporting recreation, wildlife, and public health. The report card evaluates data from six monitoring sites along the river, assessing key indicators including E. coli, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, and conductivity.
Results show that while dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and conductivity received high marks, E. coli and turbidity levels remain a concern—particularly after rainfall. Stormwater runoff significantly contributes to elevated bacteria and sediment levels, with 78% of samples following rain events exceeding E. coli standards. All six sites received failing grades for turbidity, underscoring the impact of runoff on water clarity and habitat health.
This tool highlights the challenges facing the Root River and offers clear, practical ways the public can contribute to improving water quality through individual and community action.
Frequently Asked Questions
North Beach, Zoo Beach, and the off-shore swim zone at Samuel Myers Park open for swimming the first weekend in June and close the day after Labor Day. Additional information, including park hours, water temperature, and beach status can be found on the City of Racine’s Beaches page.
The City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory performs water quality testing Monday-Friday at North Beach and Zoo Beach. The off-shore swim zone at Samuel Myers Park is tested once per week. Current beach status and water temperature can be viewed on the City of Racine’s home page, and Beaches page.
Lifeguards are present at North Beach ONLY from June through August from 10 am until 6 pm. Visitors are HIGHLY recommended to swim only within the “Protected Area” and should avoid swimming in either unprotected areas or “No Swimming” zones. Due to limited availability of certified lifeguards, lifeguards are NOT staffed at Zoo Beach or the Samuel Myers off-shore swim zone. Please see the Water Safety in Racine County storymap for more information.
No, with the exception of service animals, dogs and other animals are not allowed on City beaches by municipal ordinance Section 70-90.
Report an illegal discharge or dumping event using the Wisconsin DNR Violation Tip Hotline online form or by calling 800-847-9367. Violations may also be reported to the Public Health Department by calling 262-636-9203 or emailing PublicHealth@cityofracine.org
Feeding gulls is highly discouraged for several reasons:
- Human food is not as nutritious as gulls’ normal diet of fish and insects, and can cause serious health problems.
- Gulls trying to get food can be aggressive with people.
- Large groups of gulls attracted to food handouts leave waste on the sand that contains E. coli bacteria. E.coli can be harmful to humans and negatively affect water quality, potentially causing swimming advisories or beach closures.
Working with Us
Projects undertaken within the City of Racine Public Health Department Laboratory provide professional development and networking opportunities. Below are examples of local, regional, and national conference presentations and posters developed by student interns and Laboratory personnel.
To view employment opportunities, please visit Human Resources Jobs page.
