For the 22nd year, the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department (WUPHD) is launching its annual public bathing beach monitoring program. This swimming season, WUPHD and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) will again monitor a network of local beaches to help keep residents and visitors safe. Most local beaches meet water quality standards throughout the season, and routine monitoring helps ensure they remain safe for public use.
Each week during the swimming season, staff collect water samples and test for E. coli bacteria. Results are posted on the State of Michigan’s BeachGuard website, and any beach advisories or closures are posted onsite when elevated E. coli levels are detected. Routine monitoring ensures the public is informed of potential health risks and helps prevent exposure to illness‑causing bacteria.
This program is funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and includes beaches in Gogebic, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties.
Why Monitoring Matters
Surface waters with elevated E. coli can cause illness, including nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Swimming in contaminated water can also lead to ear, eye, nose, and throat infections, as well as skin rashes.
Bacteria levels often rise in the days following heavy rainfall, when runoff enters lakes and rivers.
Tips for Staying Healthy at the Beach
• Avoid swimming for 48 hours after heavy rain, when runoff may increase bacteria levels. Also avoid water that appears unusually cloudy, muddy, or warm after rainfall.
• Large numbers of waterfowl (geese, ducks) can indicate higher levels of droppings, which may increase E. coli and the risk of swimmer’s itch.
• Do not swim with open sores or lesions.
• Watch for algal blooms. Water that looks greenish, blue, or milky may indicate algae capable of producing harmful toxins.
• Dry off immediately with a clean towel after swimming to help prevent swimmer’s itch.
Algal Bloom Response
WUPHD also tests for harmful algal toxins when blooms are observed. More information is available at www.michigan.gov/habs.
Suspicious algae can be reported to EGLE’s Environmental Assistance Center at 1‑800‑662‑9278 or by emailing AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov. WUPHD will respond to reports and conduct toxin testing when needed.
Additional information is available on the WUPHD and KBIC websites.
Beach monitoring results can also be found by searching online for “Michigan BeachGuard.” WUPHD encourages everyone to enjoy our region’s beaches this summer and use these simple tips to stay healthy.