Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Western U.P. Health Department has confirmed that surface water samples collected at many inland lakes and Lake Superior beaches are showing signs of improvement. Twelve recreation locations are now open to swimming: Bete Grise, Calumet Waterworks, Eagle Harbor, Eagle River, Fort Wilkins State Park, Lake Gogebic State Park, Lake Medora, L’Anse Waterfront, Little Traverse Bay, Porcupine Mountains State Park, Second Sand Beach, and Twin Lakes State Park.
Seven beach locations have improved enough to move into the advisory category in which the public is advised to swim at their own risk and to avoid swallowing water while swimming. These beaches include: Agate Beach, Bergland Township Beach, Chassell, Dollar Bay, Rice Lake, Schoolcraft Township Park on Big Traverse, and Sunday Lake.
Eleven other beach locations still have high levels of E.coli and/or fecal coliform bacteria in exceedance of Michigan DEQ and U.S. EPA standards for body contact. The presence of E.coli and fecal coliforms means that the water has been contaminated by animal and/ or human waste and exposure carries a significant health risk.
Health Department staff continue to monitor surface water quality throughout the Western Upper Peninsula and will update the public as conditions change. To view a list of beaches being tested and current advisory status for each, go to the Health Department web site at www.wupdhd.org.
