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A Guide To Checking For E. Coli At Michigan Beaches

Author Kayla Morgan

Imagine a perfect summer day, the sun shining, and you’re itching to hit the beach. Before you dive headfirst into those waters, you need to watch out for E. coli. These bacteria can cause all sorts of nasty infections. It can wreak havoc on our favorite swimming spots, and it’s not a good idea to paddle around in the water with high levels of E. coli.

Bacteria are everywhere, even in the water, as the USGS points out. Escherichia coli, or simply E. coli, hangs out in the stomachs of all creatures, humans included. When these bacteria escape into the wild, trouble follows suit. It turns out that encountering E. coli in the great outdoors can lead to a range of health problems, such as urinary tract infections, respiratory illnesses, and even pneumonia.

So, how do we determine if the water we’re swimming in is teeming with dangerous levels of E. coli?

According to the EPA’s guidelines, they measure E. coli in colony-forming units (CFU) per 100 mL of water. When it comes to designated swimming spots, the E. coli levels shouldn’t go beyond 88 CFU per 100 mL in a single sample, and the average of three samples over 60 days shouldn’t exceed 47 CFU/100 mL. These numbers act as the gatekeepers, letting us know whether it’s safe to dive in or better to keep our swimsuits dry.

Recently, Belle Isle beach access was closed due to high levels of E. coli. At that time, visitors were asked to avoid going in the water to avoid contamination. As reported by ABC12 on June 14, the Huron County Health Department dropped some troubling news too. They conducted tests on water samples collected from Bird Creek Village Park beach in Port Austin, specifically in the 3 to 6 feet deep area. The results revealed a727 E. coli colonies present in every 100mL of water. After daily testing, the levels decreased and have since reopened.

The Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes, and Energy keeps track of bacteria levels around Michigan. If you want to know about current beach closures in Michigan due to E. coli, you can check the Michigan BeachGuard System.

Dive In: Michigan State Park Dog-Friendly Beaches Await

In Michigan, you can bring your furry friends along when you visit certain state parks and campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, state-managed harbors, state-designated trails, and boat launches. Just keep in mind that there might be some restrictions and some of the rules change according to the season.

There are some situations where you won’t be able to bring your pets. These include designated swim beaches where pets are not allowed, areas that are protected for endangered species, and any areas that are specifically marked as off-limits for pets.

Another important thing to note is that even when your pets are enjoying a dip in the water, they still need to be leashed. Michigan requires a 6-foot leash for pets, even when they are in the water. This rule helps ensure everyone’s safety and prevents any potential mishaps.

Where can you find pet-friendly state park beaches in Metro Detroit? There are more than 35 places to take your fur friend for a swim.  From Algonac and Mears, to Silver Lake. Here are 4 state parks that are not too far from Metro Detroit.

  • Brighton Recreation Area

    Brighton Recreation Area in Livingston County is a wonderful destination for dog owners. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the trails and a portion of the shoreline, Chilson Pond. You and your beloved furry companion can explore numerous miles of trails that offer a mix of varying and elevated hills and beautiful lakes.

  • Dodge #4 State Park

    Just outside the swimming area, Dodge #4 State Park features a specially designated beach where pets are welcome. Additionally, it offers a sandy beach and a stretch of one mile along the shoreline of Cass Lake.

  • Holly Recreation

    Located south of the designated swim beach, there is a stretch of shoreline along Heron Lake where dogs can swim. The park covers 8,007 acres of rolling woodlands and fields, offering a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, boating, disc golf, fishing, and mountain biking.

  • Proud Lake Recreation Area

    Dogs have the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim along the shorelines of the Huron River and Proud Lake. It’s located right on the gorgeous Huron River and offers an abundance of recreational options for everyone.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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