Beach Closures Remain In Effect

WESTERN UPPER PENINSULA – Western U.P. Health Department is keeping in place its precautionary closure of all recreational bathing beaches in the Western Upper Peninsula. Because of possible bacterial contamination, it is recommended that the public not swim or recreate in lakes until flood waters have subsided, storm runoff discontinues, and the water is determined to be safe for swimming.

Heavy rains across the region resulted in severe erosion and flooding. The Health Department has confirmed that storms on Sunday resulted in discharges from municipal sewer systems into surface waters in Houghton and Gogebic counties. Sewer overflow events significantly compromise surface water quality.

Water quality of lakes and streams also may be affected by runoff and erosion from heavy rains. Higher than normal E. coli numbers can be expected after storms,