Safe Swimming: Bacteria in Ponds & Lakes - Livingston County, MI

Public swimming beaches are routinely sampled to check bacteria levels to make sure the water is “safe” for body contact. Sample results and beach advisories/closures are posted on theDepartment of Environmental Quality’s Beach Guard.Is my pond or lake safe for swimming?Residents often want to know whether their own “private” body of water is safe for swimming. This usually involves a property owner wanting to know about their private pond, or subdivision/condominium residents concerned about a lake or beach in their commons area. Although bodies of water on private property are not subject to water quality monitoring requirements, Environmental Health recommends following the State of Michigan Bathing Beach Guidelines for determining if water is safe for swimming.The term “safe” in this document refers only to established bacteria levels. Any swimming area will have risks beyond the bacterial level, including depth, clarity, current and submerged hazards. Although not discussed here,...