Three Huron County Beaches Remain Closed After High E. Coli Readings
BAD AXE, Mich. — Three Huron County beaches remain closed after water samples showed E. coli levels above the state standard, while Bird Creek Bathing Beach has reopened following an acceptable retest.
The Huron County Health Department said the closures remain in effect at:
- Wagener Park Bathing Beach
- Caseville County Park Bathing Beach
- Port Crescent Day Use Bathing Beach
Bird Creek Bathing Beach had been placed under a closure advisory after earlier testing found elevated bacteria levels. The most recent samples showed E. coli had returned to an acceptable level, allowing officials to lift the advisory and reopen the beach.
A composite sample made from three water samples collected in 3 to 6 feet of water cannot exceed 300 E. coli colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
Rough water delayed some retesting
The Huron County health department had planned to retest the closed beaches Wednesday, but rough water and a beach warning prevented workers from collecting samples at Caseville County Park, Port Crescent Day Use and Wagener Park.
The beaches were resampled Thursday, and the new laboratory results are expected Friday.
Until those results are available and the health department lifts the advisories, the three beaches remain closed to swimming.
The latest testing sheet also includes updated results for Bird Creek and Wagener Park under its “Re-test” tab. Bird Creek’s follow-up sample fell within the acceptable range. Wagener Park has not yet been cleared to reopen.
Why beaches are tested
E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of people and animals. Elevated readings can indicate contamination from sewage, animal waste, stormwater runoff or other sources.
Levels can rise after heavy rain, strong winds, waves or runoff carries material from streets, fields and shorelines into the water.
Swimming in water with high bacteria levels can increase the risk of stomach illness, diarrhea, skin irritation and infections. Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may face greater risks.
Visitors should obey posted closure signs and avoid swimming at the affected beaches until new test results confirm that bacteria levels have fallen below the state limit.
For more information, contact Huron County Health Officer and Environmental Health Director Tip MacGuire at 989-269-3329.
