By The St. Clair County Health Department
The St. Clair County Health Department (SCCHD) has issued a swimming advisory for Holland Beach due to elevated levels of E. coli in the water. Water samples will continue to be collected and tested. The advisory will be lifted once results return within an acceptable range as advised by the State of Michigan. SCCHD will notify the public when the advisory is lifted.
E. coli bacteria are a common microbe found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. Beach goers should be aware elevated E. coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in storm water runoff, including drainage from creeks and ditches, and stirred up from waves. Standing water such as the water found in small pools along the shoreline, called ponding areas, can also have elevated levels of E. coli.
Contact with recreational water poses the risk of waterborne illnesses. The following actions can reduce the risk of waterborne illness:
- Do not swim in water that smells foul, looks murky or has floating foam
- Dispose of trash, animal waste, and boat waste properly
- Use the restroom before swimming
- Do not swim immediately after heavy rain when E. coli levels may be high
- Do not swallow lake water
- Vigorously towel off after swimming
- Wash hands with soap and water before eating
- Shower as soon as possible
- Avoid contact with recreational waters if you have open soars or wounds
Advisories for St. Clair County’s public beaches are shared on the SCCHD’s “St. Clair County Beaches” Facebook page and the MiEnviro Beachguard website.
For more information, visit www.scchealth.co or contact the SCCHD Environmental Health Division at (810) 987-5306. Follow us on social media @stclaircountybeaches.