The Monroe County Health Department has resumed its beach monitoring program at Lake Erie beaches. Every Tuesday, from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the department will collect water samples to determine the safety of swimming in the lake. Results will be available the following afternoon on the MCHD website.
Chris Westover, Environmental Health Director of the Monroe County Health Department, emphasizes the importance of following any advisories or beach closures to ensure the safety of swimmers and their families. Water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, which can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria in the water.
Samples are taken one foot below the surface in water between three and six feet deep, with a minimum of three samples collected at each beach location. If bacteria levels exceed limits set by the Michigan Public Health Code, a whole-body contact advisory will be issued. The advisory will be lifted once bacteria levels are within acceptable limits.
During an advisory, a beach may be closed for swimming, but other recreational activities may still be allowed. Residents with concerns about public swimming pools or beaches can contact the Environmental Health Division.
For more information about the beach monitoring program and how to stay safe while swimming in Lake Erie, visit the MCHD website.
