Michigan Beaches Closed Due to Bacteria: Water Activities Off Limits

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Michiganders may be thinking about visiting their favorite beach this weekend, but state officials say three beaches in Oakland County aren't fit for swimming due to high bacteria levels.

County health departments routinely collect water samples for bacteria levels at beaches across the state to determine whether the water is safe for swimming, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, and provide that information via an online dashboard.

To be considered safe for swimming, the E. coli counts must be below 300 per 100 milliliters.

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As of Friday, there are three Michigan beaches, all in Oakland County, that are currently closed due to high bacteria levels. They are:

• Eagle Lake
• Sylvan Lake
• Elliott Lake

Check the conditions of your local beach

The EGLE map lists information for beaches in Michigan, including water quality sampling results and beach advisories and closures.

The website also includes information on combined or sanitary sewer overflows, which lead to partially treated or untreated sewage being released into rivers and streams.

Why do officials check for E. coli?

Generally, coliforms are bacteria that are not harmful and are naturally present in the environment, according to the EPA. They are used as an indicator that other, potentially harmful, fecal bacteria (indicated by the E. coli species) could be present.

If any routine or repeat sample is total coliform positive or present, the system (i.e., the lab) must further analyze that sample to determine if E. coli are present. E. coli is a more specific indicator of fecal contamination and is a potentially more harmful pathogen than other bacteria typically found in the coliform group.

Consumption of or contact with water contaminated with feces of warm-blooded animals can cause a variety of illnesses, the USGS said. Minor gastrointestinal discomfort is probably the most common symptom; however, pathogens that may cause only minor sickness in some people may cause serious conditions or death in others, especially in the very young, old, or those with weakened immunological systems.

What is swimmer's itch? Does E. coli cause it?

Swimmer itch is a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that infect some birds and mammals, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .

Swimmers itch is often incorrectly attributed to E. coli exposure, according to the Clean Lakes Alliance.

Symptoms can include:

• Tingling, burning or itching of the skin
• Small reddish pimples
• Small blisters

What can i do about swimmer's itch?

Swimmer's itch typically clears up on its own within a week. If the itching is severe, your health care provider may recommend prescription-strength lotions or creams, the Mayo Clinic said.

Some home treatments may provide relief until it goes away:

• Apply a corticosteroid cream or an anti-itch lotion, such as those that contain calamine.
• Take an oral nonprescription antihistamine (Benadryl) or one with loratadine (Alavert, Claritin, others).
• Avoiding scratching the rash.
• Cover affected areas with a clean, damp washcloth.
• Soak in a bath sprinkled with Epsom salts, baking soda or an oatmeal-based bath product (Aveeno, others).
• Make a paste of baking soda and water, and then apply it to the affected skin.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 3 Michigan beaches are closed because of bacteria. Where water contact is discouraged