The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Lakeside Beach in Port Huron.
Water samples will be collected at the beach until E. coli test results are within the acceptable water quality range as dictated by the State of Michigan. The SCCHD Environmental Health Division conducts water quality monitoring at eight public beaches in St. Clair County for the presence of E. coli bacteria from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Water sample results must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters for the water to be considered safe for swimming. E. coli bacteria are a common microbe found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate the presence of fecal contamination.
There are a variety of sources that contribute bacteria and other pathogens to surface water, including septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and agricultural runoff. Elevated E. coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in storm runoff and stirred up from waves. If there has been a recent heavy rainfall, strong winds or big waves, or if the water appears cloudy or turbid, individuals should be advised not to swim that day.
Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are shared on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and Michigan BeachGuard website at www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/.
For more information, visit www.scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306. Follow us on social media @scchdmi.
