At the present time, the St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Road Beach in Port Huron. Water samples will be collected at the beach until E. coli test results are within the acceptable water quality range.
The SCCHD Environmental Health Division conducts environmental monitoring at eight public beaches in St. Clair County for the presence of E. coli bacteria from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Water samples must be below 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters for the water to be considered safe for swimming. E. coli bacteria is 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, combined and sanitary sewer overflows, storm (rain) runoff, wild and domestic animal waste, and agriculture runoff. Elevated E.coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in storm runoff or stirred up from waves. If there has been a recent heavy rainfall or high winds, or if the water appears cloudy or turbid, individuals should choose not to swim that day.
Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are shared on the SCCHD’s 24-hour Water Quality Hotline at 877-504-SWIM, “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page, and Michigan BeachGuard website at www.egle.state.mi.us/beach/.
Submitted by the St. Clair County Health Department
