Bradford Beach is currently the most popular urban beach swimming area in Milwaukee. Before 2009 the beach was classified as an impaired water body until several steps were taken to reduce E. coli contamination in the swimming area. The combination of creating rain garden basins at seven beach outfalls, gull abatement with patrol dogs, beach grooming, and regular Cladophora removal helped reduce E. coli concentrations in nearshore water and resulted in the beach being awarded a Blue Wave certification in 2009. Bradford Beach continues to be open for public swimming and has had 22 advisories spanning 37 days due to elevated bacteria counts over the last three years (2020 - 2023). Recently the quality of rain gardens has degraded due to encroachment of invasive species, and in 2022 one rain garden was washed away in an extreme storm event. Restoration of rain garden basins for continued prevention of runoff discharge across the beach was identified as a Management Action. Studies also indicated that depressions in the sand that remain wet act as a reservoir for E. coli; this should be addressed through beach nourishment – adding beach sand to eliminate depressions/erosion and potential for standing water.

Project Benefits:

Not only will this project help get more of Milwaukee out in the water, but it is also a necessary action to help delist the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern. “De-listing” involves completing projects that will address issues, or Beneficial Use Impairments, which have prevented humans, fish, and wildlife from being able to fully and safely use our natural resources. The South Shore Beach Rehabilitation project will achieve this by addressing the Beach Closings/Recreational Restrictions Beneficial Use Impairment (BUI). For more information on delisting and BUIs visit Parks and the AOC.