Two Huron County Beaches Closed Due to High E. Coli Levels

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Huron County, MI - August 8, 2024 – The Huron County Health Department has issued an urgent advisory, announcing the closure of two popular local beaches due to elevated levels of E. coli. The affected beaches are Wagener County Park Bathing Beach and Harbor Beach City Park Bathing Beach.

Recent water samples collected by the Health Department revealed that E. coli levels in these areas exceeded the safe threshold of 300 colonies per 100 milliliters of water. According to Tip MacGuire, the Environmental Health Director for Huron County, the results were obtained from composite samples taken from three to six feet of water, which is the standard depth for bathing beach assessments.

The closure of these beaches is a precautionary measure to protect public health, as exposure to high levels of E. coli can cause gastrointestinal illness and other health complications. The Health Department urges residents and visitors to avoid swimming or engaging in water activities at these beaches until further notice.

Tip MacGuire emphasized the importance of water safety and advised those with questions or concerns to contact the Health Department directly at 989-269-3329. For assistance with this communication, Andrea at the Health Department can also be reached at 989-269-3308.

The Huron County Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as further testing is conducted. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and the Health Department's communications.

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