Capitol News

As tourists head to Michigan beaches this summer, some may encounter a “closed” sign. Bacterial contamination has already shut down at least eight beaches around the state, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. While some have since reopened, closures are expected to affect other beaches throughout the summer.

A variety of pollutants can lead to beach closures in Michigan and beyond. Sanitary and combined sewer overflows, groundwater runoff, failing septic systems, and harmful algal blooms can all render beaches unsafe for swimming.

Joan Rose, Homer Nowlin Endowed Chair in Water Research and director of the MSU Water Alliance, commented on the situation: "Our beaches in Michigan are a treasure, important to our health and economic well-being. Swimming in contaminated water is associated with an array of diseases, including respiratory, eye, ear and gastrointestinal infections. Our state has one of the best advanced water quality monitoring programs in the nation." She highlighted that MiNet laboratories can track fecal contamination using microbial source tracking tools to address sources of contamination.

Phanikumar Mantha, professor of civil and environmental engineering at MSU's College of Engineering, noted: "Several beaches in Michigan have closed due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. These closures typically follow heavy rainfall which washes contaminants such as farm manure and sewage into the water." He stressed the need for investments in improved water quality management and infrastructure.

Ehsan Ghane from MSU’s Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering emphasized phosphorus reduction: "In freshwater bodies, too much phosphorus is the cause of toxin production from harmful algal blooms. We need to find ways to reduce phosphorus from agricultural sources from getting into surface water bodies like Lake Erie."

Xiaobo Tan from MSU's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering pointed out the importance of smart technologies: "Given the frequency and scale of various contamination events, it is becoming increasingly important to deploy smart technologies for monitoring drinking water sources and recreational beaches."

Anthony Kendall from MSU’s College of Natural Science discussed river systems' vulnerability: "River systems can be particularly vulnerable to human pathogen contamination because water travels through them quickly with relatively little exposure to sunlight." He underscored proper maintenance and enforcement related to septic systems as crucial measures for improving water quality.