[Southsider2k12]

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/200...5e926693581.txt

Weekly test finds elevated E. coli levels at Mt. Baldy beach

* Story
* Discussion

Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size

By Times Staff | Thursday, May 28, 2009 | (1 comment(s))

PORTER | The National Park Service advises against swimming at the Mt. Baldy beach near Michigan City after weekly test results released Thursday indicate high levels of E. coli in the water in the area.

Testing on Wednesday indicated E.coli levels are 365 colonies per 100 milliliters. That exceeds the safety standard of any measurement over 235 colonies per 100 milliliters.

Anything over the 235 colonies level is considered unhealthy. High levels of E.coli can indicate the presence of other pathogens that can cause illness.

Additional testing at the Mt. Baldy beach area will occur Thursday to determine bacteria levels. Results will be updated Friday.

Testing at all other beaches indicated levels well below the safety margin.

The National Lakeshore provides this information for visitors so they may make informed decisions regarding contact with Lake Michigan waters within the federal park. The National Park Service does not close its beaches as a result of water conditions. The beaches will remain open and available for public use, and the public is advised to take precautions for their own safety based on water quality, weather conditions and other relevant information.

West Beach is the only National Lakeshore beach access where lifeguards are provided. For information on rip current warnings, visit the National Weather Service's Web site at http://www.crh.noaa.gov/hazards/lot.

The water temperature was reported at 60 degrees.

For information about the Indiana Dunes State Park, call (219) 926-1952.