Southwest Michigan Beaches Begin Bacteria Monitoring

Beaches in southwest Michigan have begun monitoring bacteria levels. Michigan counties are not required by law to test for E. coli and other potentially dangerous pathogens, but most in the southwest region will do so beginning Memorial Day weekend and continuing through Labor Day.

Beach bacteria levels are affected not only by storm water runoff but also wildlife concentrations, frequency of bathers and air and water temperature. To date, weekly tests conducted since early May at eight Kalamazoo County beaches have resulted in no advisories or closings.

For more information about water quality monitoring at Michigan state beaches, visit www.deq.state.mi.us/beach/public.

Source: Kalamazoo Gazette