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Down to three–that’s the number of beaches that remain closed according to the latest list released Thursday by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
Bobcat Lake in Marenisco Township, the Lighthouse Overlook in Copper Harbor, and Steusser Lake in Ewen are the only beaches listed as closed.
Advisories remain in effect for Lake Gogebic in Bergland Township and Torch Lake in Lake Linden.
The Health Department says bacteria levels at Lake Linden Beach are testing within limits but a precautionary advisory remains in effect due to chemical contaminants from mining waste.
The Lighthouse Overlook is under a precautionary closure due to an authorized lagoon discharge.
All other beaches have been tested as safe.
July 26, 2018–Significant rain events result in erosion and runoff into drainage ways and rivers that discharge into recreational bodies of water. Large rain events elevate the bacteria level in lakes from sources of contamination such as manure from farm fields, waste from pets and wildlife, flooded septic systems, and/or sewer overflows.
The presence of E.coli and high levels of fecal coliform bacteria in aquatic environments indicate that the water has been contaminated with the fecal material of man or animals. The presence of high levels of fecal contamination is an indicator that a potential health risk exists for individuals exposed to this water.
Swimming in waters with high levels of fecal bacteria increases the chance of developing illness (fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rashes, ear infections) from pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) entering the body through the mouth, nose, ears, or cuts in the skin.
The public should always exercise extreme caution when swimming after a rain event. Avoid ingesting of water. Washing thoroughly with soap after contact with contaminated water can also help prevent illness.
When beaches are closed, the length of time to reopen is dependent upon the natural conditions. When condition are right (warm weather, warm surface water, continued rain events that cause runoff), bacteria survive and continue to multiply quickly. During conditions of cooler water temperature, cooler weather, and exposure to sunlight, the bacteria die in large numbers, allowing the beach to reopen.
The Western UP Health Department tests water quality, weekly, at a number of bathing beaches across the Western UP. For the most recent results of each tested location, please click July 26th Beach Status.
Note that locations marked with an asterisk (*) are not routinely monitored by WUPHD. These testing locations were added in response to the June 17th flood event. Once determined to be safe, they are no longer being monitored during 2018.
Note that locations marked with two asterisks (**) are sampled by Keweenaw Bay Indian Community.
July 20th–Copper Harbor: Western U.P. Health Department continues to maintain a precautionary beach closure for Lighthouse Overlook Beach on Lake Superior in Copper Harbor, MI. Grant Township began a discharge of their sewage lagoon on July 9. Municipal sewage lagoons are regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). The public should avoid swimming and other water recreation where there is high likelihood of water contact near the sewage lagoon discharge and at the Lighthouse Overlook Beach, across the road from Fort Wilkins State Park.
The public should be aware that Grant Township is fully cooperating with MDEQ and working diligently to correct the issue with the lagoon. The Health Department is continuing to monitor the surface water areas affected. This precautionary beach closure advisory remains in effect until lagoon modifications and treatment have been completed, and results from sampling verify the water is safe for body contact.
Routine sampling conducted by the Health Department has confirmed that all other locations in and around Copper Harbor are safe for swimming and recreation. These locations include: Copper Harbor Marina, Hunter’s Point, and Lake Fanny Hooe. If you have questions regarding the Copper Harbor lagoon system, contact Grant Township at 906-289-4292 or MDEQ at 906-228-4853.
