High bacteria levels close some Michigan beaches

LANSING, Mich. – If you’re planning to visit a state beach, you may want to check that it’s open.

The state health department has closed 14 beaches across Michigan.

The closures are due to high bacteria levels, from storm runoff.

Experts said there are many factors that can cause low water quality including the environment around state water ways.

“All this water essentially washes contaminates from the ground so you’re talking bird droppings, animal droppings that can get lost into the water and if the water has nutrients in there and the conditions are right then that could create issues with e coil and or even alga blooms,” said Nick Assendelft Spokesperson with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy or EGLE.

Assendelft said that the states aging infrastructure also plays a factor in water contamination.

The states infrastructure has been a hot topic the last few weeks due to heavy rains especially in urban areas.

To view all beach closures you can go here.