Michigan beaches continue to close amid high E. coli levels

• 14 Michigan beaches are closed or under contamination advisories as of Thursday due to high levels of E. coli
• The contamination comes after rain and thunderstorms caused animal feces, farm manure and sewage to infiltrate waterways
• E. coli is a bacteria that can cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting

Michigan beaches continue to be closed or under advisories due to high levels of E.coli. As of Thursday, 14 Michigan beaches have either closed or been placed under contamination advisories after heavy rainfall which causes animal feces,  farm manure and sewage to be washed into the waterways, polluting the water. 

Beaches are only safe for swimming if E. coli levels are below a daily mean of 300 per 100 milliliters, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

 Beaches closed as of Thursday

• Lake St. Clair – St. Clair Shores Memorial Park Beach, Macomb County
• Sugden Lake – Oakridge Subdivision, Oakland County
• Davis Lake – Brugioni Park & Beach, Oakland County
• Detroit River – Belle Isle Beach, Wayne County
• Crescent Lake – Crescent Lake Park, Oakland County
• Crescent Lake – Crescent Lake Sub. Association, Oakland County
• Dead River Reservoir – Marquette Tourist Park Beach, Marquette County 

The beaches will remain closed until bacterial levels return to normal. 

Beaches under contamination advisories as of Thursday

• Saginaw Bay – Lake Huron – Singing Bridge Beach, Arenac County
• Dumont Lake – Dumont Lake County Park Beach, Allegan County
• Thornapple River – Tyden Park, Barry County
• Gun Lake – Yankee Springs Recreation Area Campground Beach, Barry County 
• Ross Lake – Beaverton City Park, Gladwin County
• Lake Superior – Brimley State Park, Chippewa County
• Houghton Lake – Lakeview Waterfront Park, Roscommon County

Beachgoers can become very ill if they swim or ingest contaminated water. Before heading to the beach, especially after heavy rain, it is recommended that you check the Michigan BeachGuard System to receive the most accurate updates on statewide closures and contamination advisories.  

How to prevent E.coli contamination

Michigan State University microbiologist Joan Rose says one of the biggest things that can be done to prevent E. coli contamination on Michigan’s beaches is for homeowners to update their septic tanks. 

Related:

• Swim at your own risk: High E. coli count closes nine Michigan beaches
• Eight Michigan beaches reopen after E. coli levels drop, six others closed
• Experts predict moderate Lake Erie toxic algae bloom
• Toxic Great Lakes algae makes Michigan sick. But remedy may be near

However, replacing aging septic tanks and maintaining them can be a barrier for many homeowners. 

“Putting in a modern septic system could cost a homeowner $10,000 to $20,000, sometimes even $50,000,” Rose said in a statement. “It’s a lot of money, and a lot of people just don’t have it. It’s not just in lake communities, it’s in small rural communities.” 

Michigan’s water quality may continue to decline if no action is taken to prevent E. coli contamination, Rose warned. 

“As we keep building out, that will accelerate things,” she said. “Climate change is also warming up temperatures and changing the dynamics of how pollution interacts with algae and other things in the system. More high rainfall events and flooding could cause more problems and more loading to the lake.”