Bathing Beach Monitoring Program

Beach Monitoring:
Part 125 of Act 368, Public Acts of 1978, provides for testing and evaluation of public bathing beaches by local health departments. The St. Clair County Health Department monitors eight local beaches weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Samples are taken one foot below the surface in water that is approximately three feet deep.

 

St. Clair County Monitored Public Beaches

Beach Location
Lakeport State Campground Lake Huron
Fort Gratiot County Park Lake Huron
Keewahdin Road Beach Lake Huron
Lakeside Beach  Lake Huron
Holland Road Beach Lake Huron
Lighthouse Beach  Lake Huron
Chrysler Beach St. Clair River
Marine City Beach St. Clair River

 

Water Quality Advisories:
The Michigan Public Health Code establishes "Total Body Contact Standards" for E.coli. A beach has a Water Quality Advisory whenever these standards are exceeded. Bacteria and pathogens can enter the water from many sources. Advisories are frequently issued after rain events as bacteria are carried into lakes and rivers through stormwater runoff. 

Understanding Escherichia coli (E. coli):
E. coli bacteria are microbes found in the digestive tracts of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The number of E.coli colonies in the water is an indicator of overall water quality. Contact with contaminated water, especially ingestion, can lead to illness.

Best Practices for Healthy Beaches:

Common sources of E. coli include animal waste, malfunctioning septic systems, and storm drains. When it rains, stormwater can carry pollutants and bacteria into swimming areas. The following actions help maintain clean water:

  • Waterfowl: Avoid feeding geese, ducks, or gulls. Feeding birds on the beach makes animal waste which contributes to E. coli levels.
  • Pets: Animal waste contains E. coli and should be cleaned up and disposed of immediately in the trash.
  • Litter: All waste, including cigarette butts and grill ashes belongs in trash cans.
  • Storm Drains: Items such as litter, leaves, fertilizer, oil, or chemicals must never be placed down a storm drain. Only rain in the drain.

For further information on maintaining water quality, review the Seven Steps for Cleaner Water or visit the Michigan EGLE BeachGuard website for specific sampling results and advisory details.

Water Quality Tipline
The St. Clair County Health Department makes it quick and easy for you to access information about current water quality advisories.