As part of our initial Healthy Beaches Campaign, TWC has developed an informational card (available in PDF) explaining threats to our local beaches and ways people can help keep them clean. Copies of these are being distributed to local health departments and residents through our outreach program.

Every summer, hundreds of people flock to area beaches to swim, fish, and lay in the sun. The use of Grand Traverse Bay, inland lakes, and rivers for swimming is a valuable recreational resource for residents and visitors to our region. It is important that all of us do our part to help keep our beaches HEALTHY.

Different things can pollute water. Litter is the most visible source of pollution, but it is often the things we cannot see, such as bacteria and viruses that we need to be concerned about. Studies of freshwater bathing beaches have established a direct relationship between the density of E. coli (a bacterium) in water and the occurrence of swimming-associated viral illnesses. In other words, E. coli is an indicator of unhealthy water.

In general, bacteria (E.Coli) numbers are elevated during and shortly after rainstorms, especially if the beach is near a stormwater outfall. If bacteria numbers are elevated, they usually come down to safe levels a day or two after rain events.

Additionally, TWC tests local beaches for E.Coli every summer – For testing results you can visit the State’s beach website, which contains statewide information about beach closings, monitoring efforts and E. coli test results.

If you would like a copy of the Healthy Beaches Info Card, please contact our office (bulk quantities are available as well) at 231-935-1514 or email at info@gtbay.org.