BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Berrien County Health Department will begin its annual beach monitoring program to help ensure public beaches are safe for swimming. 

Every summer, BCHD's Environmental Health team collects and test water samples from public beaches in Berrien County. Weekly testing focuses on detecting E. coli, which is an indicator of waste contamination and the presence of other harmful bacteria. 

“The BCHD’s Environmental Health team works diligently all summer long to help keep our beaches safe for all to enjoy,” said BCHD Environmental Health Manager Nick Margaritis.

“We also encourage the community to stay informed and follow advisories by checking Beachguard before visiting public beaches." 

BCHD's water testing results are updated weekly and posted on Beachguard, which is an online tool the Michigan Department of Environmental, Great Lakes and Energy uses displays the results of water samples from health departments across the state.

Community members can sign up to receive email alerts for advisories and closures online.

If unsafe levels of E. Coli are indicated in the weekly testing, BCHD issues a no-swim advisory for the affected beaches. BCHD then continues to monitor the water quality at the beach and lifts the no-swim advisory once the bacteria levels return to a safe range. Notices about no-swim advisories are shared on Beachguard, BCHD’s website, Facebook and Instagram.

Community members can report any health or safety concerns online or by calling the Environmental Health team at 269-927-5623.