For over ten years, the LaPorte County Health Department (LPCHD) has been sampling beaches on Lake Michigan, along with several inland beaches in LaPorte County. We sample the water quality to ensure the water is safe for swimming. The water is considered unsafe if the E. Coli colonies are above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 235 colonies per 100mL of water.

In 2006, the LPCHD continues to receive monetary assistance from IDEM for our beach testing through the EPA Beach Act funding. Testing will be conducted Monday-Wednesday-Friday on Lake Michigan beaches. Testing will be conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays on our Inland Lake beaches.

The LPCHD Laboratory uses the Colilert® -18 testing method by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. This method is conducted by adding the Colilert 18 MUG nutrient indicator to the representative sample. The sample is mixed, then poured into IDEXX patented Quanti-trays and sealed with a sealing machine. The sample is then incubated for the required 18-22 hours. If E.coli is present, the sample will fluoresce under a black light. Trays are made up of wells that are then counted and compared to a chart to post a most probable number. The EPA is currently studying rapid response methods, but until they adopt an acceptable method, we are limited to the 18-22 hour test.

For additional information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli or E.coli is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals such as dogs, cats, ducks, seagulls, and geese and is thus excreted in fecal material. This bacterium is tested because it is a recognized indicator for the presence of harmful pathogens. E. coli is found in water that may have been contaminated by sewage. Since these organisms are present, other harmful bacterium and viruses may be present.

Viruses are believed to be the major cause of swimming-associated diseases. They are responsible for gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory illness, and ear, nose, and throat problems. Swimmers contract gastroenteritis from bacterium in the water. It occurs in a variety of forms that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, headache, and fever. Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses associated with swimming. Pinkeye and skin rashes are contracted from other microbial pathogens such as amoebas and protozoan.

It is very difficult to detect the presence of the microorganisms that actually cause these illnesses. E.coli is the easiest “indicator” organism to test for in surface waters. E.coli itself isn’t the likely organism that makes you sick from swimming in the water. It only indicates that there may be other pathogens in the vicinity. When this indicator bacteria, E.coli is above state and federal mandated thresholds the beach waters must be closed.

For more information on E.coli and swimming in contaminated waters, please review the BEACH Act document located at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/beaches/grants/guidance/all.pdf.
For more info on health swimming tips, please visit the CDC web site for swimming in healthy waters, located at http://www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming.

How does the lake become contaminated?

The lake can become contaminated several ways, such as:

• Bodily fluids excreted by swimmers
• Sewer line breaks, sewage spills, and overflows
• Malfunctioning septic systems
• Animal feces
• Flooding
• Runoff from urban, suburban, and rural areas
• Improperly disposed pet waste and dirty diapers

What Can You do?

• Don’t swallow the water
• Practice good hygiene and avoid swimming with open wounds
• Take your children to the bathroom often and check diapers constantly
• Don’t feed the seagulls or other animals so they are not attracted to the beach
• Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall until an acceptable levels is posted
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after playing in the sand because microorganisms are present in the sand and soil
• Check to see if the beach is monitored for E. Coli
• Monitor this web site and beach signage for current water quality conditions prior to entering the water
• Dispose of boat sewage in onshore sanitary facilities
• Reduce your water use during heavy rainfall so as to not overload sewage treatment plants

Our Testing Laboratory

Lab Autoclave & Sealer	Lab Incubators	Lab Refrigerator
DI System, Water Bath & Microwave	Chemistries Bench	Vent Hood

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