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Swimming Alert: E. coli at St. Clair Beaches
22 Jul
Summary
- Three St. Clair County beaches have advisories due to high E. coli.
- E. coli levels can increase after storms, indicating fecal contamination.
- Daily testing will continue until E. coli levels return to normal.
The St. Clair County Health Department has announced a swimming advisory for three popular beaches: Holland, Keewahdin, and Lakeside. This measure is a precaution due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria detected in the water.
E. coli is commonly found in animal digestive systems and its presence often signifies fecal contamination in water bodies. Heavy rainfall and storms can wash animal waste into local waters, leading to a surge in E. coli counts, particularly in shallow areas near the shore. Symptoms of exposure can include stomach cramps and diarrhea.
The health department advises against swimming until E. coli levels are confirmed to be safe. They recommend proper disposal of waste and using restrooms before entering the water. Residents should also avoid swimming for a period after storms, as water quality needs to be reassessed. The department is actively monitoring E. coli levels with daily testing at each affected beach.
