State website offers updated beach, water quality information

With the July 4th holiday weekend approaching, state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) officials reminded beachgoers that Michigan has plenty of options and a handy online database, BeachGuard, to ensure that their favorite beach will be open for swimming. The DEQ works in coordination with local health departments around the state to regularly monitor water quality at 1,210 of Michigan's public beaches. Water quality at certain beaches can be impacted by runoff and sewer overflows during extended rain events. Michigan's monitoring system helps ensure that swimmers have a safe and enjoyable experience as they explore Michigan's 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coast line or 11,000 inland lakes. Beach results are reported on a daily basis on the DEQ's BeachGuard Web site at www.deq.state.mi.us/beach/. Beach monitoring work along the Great Lakes shoreline is funded through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Inland lake monitoring work is supported by funds from the Clean Michigan Initiative. Published: Wed, Jun 29, 2011