County:E. coli in Saugatuck Dunes water

SAUGATUCK, Mich. (WOOD) - Allegan County Environmental Health Department officials said E. coli levels at Saugatuck Dunes State Park are higher than standard levels.

The health department has been taking regular water quality samples at Westside County Park, Pier Cove Beach, Douglas Beach, Oval Beach in Saugatuck, Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Laketown Township Park.

June 25 samples from the swimming area at Saugatuck Dunes State Park were higher than the standard 130 E. coli per 100 milliliters.

The testing found 640.33 E. coli per 100 mls. That figure should not exceed 300 per ml, according to Michigan's Water Quality Standards.

As a result, the county health department is advising residents not to go swimming at the dunes.  Limited partial-body contact, like wading, is all right as long as residents avoid contact with the face, mouth, nose or ears, the health department said.

Advisory signs will be posted on the beach and testing will continue.