Five beaches in Berrien County remain closed to swimming due to high E coli levels.
The Berrien County Health Department collected samples from the beaches Monday, issuing the no swim order Tuesday. It affects Warren Dunes, Weko Beach, Jean Klock Park, Townline Beach, and Rocky Gap.
Normally, there would have been follow up testing done on Wednesday, but Berrien County Health Officer Guy Miller told us the conditions wouldn’t allow it. Therefore, the health department was aiming for Thursday to resample. Since it takes about a day for the results to come back from the lab, Miller wasn’t expecting any updates until Friday afternoon.
So, how can someone stay in the know about the latest E coli testing at beaches?
“We contact local municipalities when we have a high level of coliform,” Miller said. “So whatever the local municipality is issuing, whether it’s signage at the beachfront, whether they have a social media account or something like that where they’re updating swimming conditions as well as E coli levels, I would say that would be your best bet.”
You can also check the Beach Guard website, which the Berrien County Health Department does use. Google “Beach Guard” or follow this link.
Miller said they’re hoping to get the beaches back open for the weekend, but the health department must also ensure the water is safe. Swimming in water with an elevated E coli level could lead to skin irritation or illness.
