The Door County Triathlon organizers worked with the Door County
Health Department to develop a Response Plan in the case of a beach
advisory or closure due to elevated bacteria levels on event weekend.
The beach at Murphy Park is tested for bacteria several times each week
at various depths (12 inches, 24 inches and 48 inches each time).
Only the shallow water (12-24 inches) readings dictate whether an
advisory or closure is issued. Murphy Park has had only one advisory so
far this year. If there is a shallow water advisory or closure but clean
readings in the “deep water” (48 inches or more),
the swim event will go on as planned but will be optional for all
participants. The Health Department indicated that there is very little
health risk associated with wading through shallow water with elevated
bacteria levels (as long as participants do not drink the shallow water or
pass through it with open wounds). In the event of a deep water advisory
or closure, the swim event will be canceled. This Response Plan has
been reviewed and approved by the Door County Health Department.