UPDATE 9:37 a.m. Aug. 8:
BENZONIA — Water testing at public beaches across Benzie and Leelanau counties this week showed E. coli levels within safe limits at all locations, including Northport Marina Beach, according to the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department.
Northport Marina, which had previously shown elevated levels, was resampled on Aug. 7 and recorded an E. coli count of 199 colonies per 100 milliliters. Despite the higher result, the beach remains under a Level 1 classification, indicating it meets state standards for full body contact.
Other beaches sampled on Aug. 6 reported even lower counts. Empire Beach and Omena Beach had no detectable E. coli, while Beulah Beach, Greilickville Harbor Park, and Frankfort Beach reported counts between 9 and 12 colonies per 100 milliliters. Leland Van’s Beach recorded 52 colonies, and Suttons Bay Marina had 38.
Under Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) guidelines, Level 1 means E. coli counts are below 300 per 100 milliliters in a single sample and under 130 in the 30-day geometric mean. Water at these levels is considered safe for swimming.
Health officials remind the public that E. coli levels can change rapidly, especially following rainfall. Weekly sampling continues through the summer season using EGLE-approved testing methods.
For more information and updated beach reports, visit www.bldhd.org.
Original story
NORTHPORT — Water samples taken Wednesday show that all public beaches in Leelanau County meet water quality standards for full body contact — with the exception of Northport Marina Beach, which is under a partial body contact advisory.
According to the Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department, E. coli levels at Northport Marina Beach were measured at 461 colonies per 100 milliliters of water.
This exceeds the threshold for full body contact and places the beach at Level 2 under state guidelines, which allows for wading, fishing and boating but advises against contact above the waist.
Village officials have been notified, and follow-up sampling was conducted Thursday morning. Results are expected Friday.
Health officials remind the public that E. coli levels often rise after heavy rainfall or strong winds, which can wash animal feces and other contaminants into nearby storm drains and waterways.
The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay advises beachgoers to avoid swimming near storm drains, especially during or shortly after rain events. Over time, sunlight can help reduce bacteria levels in open water.
All other beaches tested remain open and safe for swimming. Updates will be shared once new sampling results are available.