7/11/20 UPDATE: Northport Marina Beach was re-sampled on July 10, 2020, and is now Level 1 for full body contact. With the updated results, all Benzie and Leelanau County monitored beaches have reported satisfactory water quality at this time.

Beach report for July 10, 2020: This week’s water testing for Northport Marina Beach in the Village of Northport show elevated levels of E. Coli.

The Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department reports that resampling on July 9, 2020, revealed E. Coli Levels >1,000 colonies per 100/ml, which is a Level 3 “No Body Contact” advisory. Village officials are aware of the situation and follow up sampling is being conducted today. Follow up sampling results are expected tomorrow (July 11, 2020) morning. Once those results are received, they will be made available as soon as possible.

Eric Johnston, Environmental Health Director at Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department said, “It is a high likelihood that the increased levels of E. Coli at the beach are as a result of a heavy downpour in Northport prior to the resampling of the beach. Large amounts of rain, in a short period of time, does not have time to soak into the ground which washes accumulated surface contaminates into nearby surface waters from surface streets and storm drains. It is fairly common after a long period of dry weather period to see an increase in E. Coli levels at beaches after a significant rain event. The public needs to understand that is what typically happens in situations like this and use caution before swimming at a beach after a heavy rain event.”

All other tested Leelanau and Benzie County beaches are safe for full body contact. See the full report here.