Over the next five years, five Madison beaches are expected to be cleaner and open on more summer days with the assistance of a chemical-free filtration treatment system.

Dane County Executive Joe Parisi and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway announced the joint 2020 budget initiative Thursday along the scenic shore of Warner Park. The north side beach will be the first to be outfitted with the Clean Beach Treatment System.

“It’s important not only for us to pay attention to the water quality of our lakes, beaches and our environment, but projects like these really support our commitment to the health and safety of all families who visit the Warner Park Beach and other beaches throughout the community all summer long,” Rhodes-Conway said.

At beaches with the treatment system, an impermeable plastic barrier that floats and extends down into the water to the lake bed surrounds a swimming area. The systems pump 144,000 gallons of water per day to an onshore facility that cleans the water using a sand and ultraviolet light system to treat for bacteria.

The treatment keeps algae blooms and e-coli out of the swimming areas. These corridors fend off algae during peak periods of nearby blooms, keeping the designated area clean for swimming.