HDNW Launches Annual Beach Monitoring Program
Weekly Water Quality Testing to Support Safe Summer Recreation
The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) will begin its annual beach monitoring program on Monday, June 22, helping to ensure safe recreational water conditions throughout the summer season.
“HDNW’s beach monitoring program helps protect public health by providing timely information about water quality at beaches throughout our region,” says Jeremy Fruk, HDNW’s Environmental Health Director. “When elevated bacteria levels are detected, advisory signs will be posted at the beach
entrance to help visitors make informed decisions about water activities.”
As part of the program, HDNW’s Environmental Health staff will collect and test water samples weekly from 50 public beaches across Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties. Water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, an indicator of water quality contamination that may pose a health risk to swimmers.
Understanding Beach Advisories
Beach advisories are issued according to water quality standards established by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). An advisory is a temporary recommendation issued when E. coli levels exceed state guidelines.
When an advisory is in effect:
• Signs will be posted at the affected beach(es)
• Results and updates will be shared on HDNW’s website: nwhealth.org and social media channels
• The beach will be retested daily until bacteria levels return to a safe range.
Advisory signs are color-coded to indicate recommended water use:
• Orange sign: Partial body contact is recommended
• Red sign: No water contact is recommended
Once testing confirms that bacteria levels have returned to safe levels, advisory signs will be removed, and the public will be notified.
Beaches Across Michigan
Residents and visitors can view current beach monitoring results, advisories, and closures throughout Michigan on EGLE’s Beach Guard website at: www.egle.state.mi.us/beach.
For more information on Environment Health services offered by HDNW, visit our website at nwhealth.org. To stay updated on local health information, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter by clicking here.
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