No swimming allowed. That’s the message posted at several Berrien County beaches as of Tuesday this week after tests by the Berrien County Health Department found elevated levels of E. coli in the water.
The following beaches are CLOSED as of Wednesday morning pending new test results to indicate the contamination has subsided. Currently closed in Berrien County are:
Lake Michigan – Union Pier – Townline Road
Lake Michigan – Warren Dunes Beach
Lake Michigan – Weko Beach
Lake Michigan – Jean Klock Park
Lake Michigan – Rocky Gap
According to Michigan State Health Code, “At no time shall the water… contain more than a maximum of 300 E. coli per 100 ml.” There is also a 30-day average requirement that water not exceed 130 E. coli per 100 ml (average) over a 30 day period.
At Rocky Gap, contamination was measured at 1,100. Union Pier-Townline was reported at 580. Warren Dunes measured at 820. Weko was 690. Jean Klock Park was at 1,000. Rocky Gap measured at 1,100.
The Berrien County Health Department checks 14 Berrien County beaches for E. coli each week, and samples taken this week at the beaches indicated swimming is not safe. The health department is doing follow up tests and expects to have an update no later than Thursday.
Sources of E. coli contamination in Berrien County waterways could include runoff from farms, runoff from wildlife, faulty septic systems, or sewer overflows.
Below is a list of all the beaches monitored for E. coli by the Berrien County Health Department each week:
Michiana Village
Grand Beach
New Buffalo City
Union Pier – Townline Rd
Cherry Beach
Warren Dunes Beach
Weko Beach
Lincoln Township Park
Lions Park
Silver Beach
Tiscornia Beach
Jean Klock Park
Rocky Gap
Hagar Township Beach
You can find a list of all closed beaches in Michigan at the Beach Guard website.
