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 October of 2000, Congress passed the BEACH Act, which requires states to do coastal recreational water monitoring of public bathing beaches. The Act also allows the states to provide funding assistance to accomplish the required sampling.

In 2004, the LPCHD was awarded two contracts from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) to improve our current program. The money allowed the LPCHD to conduct daily sampling on the coastal waters of Lake Michigan Beaches only. The Act’s funding does not include inland beaches, but we will continue to sample inland beaches on Tuesday and Thursday every week. In 2005, LPCHD was awarded an Enhanced Monitoring Contract again to continue seven day a week sampling.

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.

Gathering Water Samples

Lab Chemistries Bench

Lab Vent Hood