Muskegon, Mich., Beaches E. coli Advisory

While not quite as scorching as it was last week, the temperatures in West Michigan this week are up there. You might be looking for a place to cool off and take a swim, well do NOT swim at these West Michigan beaches right now.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) regularly monitors Michigan beaches. They, along with local health departments perform tests that monitor water quality and identify potential health hazards, like elevated levels of bacteria or the presence of algal blooms.

One such potentially harmful bacteria is E. coli.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria live in the digestive systems of humans and other animals. Most strains of the E. coli bacteria are not dangerous, but they can indicate the presence of other disease-causing bacteria. Plus, some strains can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.

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As far as how it gets into our lake water, there are a variety of sources it could be: illicit waste connections to storm sewers or roadside ditches, septic systems, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, storm (rain) runoff, wild domestic animal waste, and agriculture runoff.

EGLE has issued an advisory for the following Muskegon, Mich., beaches for elevated levers of E. coli:

Beach Advisory:
- P.J. Hoffmaster State Park (Public Beach & Campground)
- Pere Marquette Beach
Beach Closure:
- Mona Lake
- Water Sports Park on Muskegon Lake (North Muskegon)

Get the latest updates on beach water quality through the EGLE BeachGuard program here.

Visit Muskegon will also be sharing updates on Facebook.

They also remind folks there's plenty of other fun stuff to do in Muskegon until the beaches are safe for swimming again!