Health Dept. Stops E. Coli Testing at Fourteen Beaches - Northern Michigan's News Leader

Health Dept. Stops E. Coli Testing at Fourteen Beaches

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The Central Michigan District Health Department will no longer be testing the water at 14 beaches because of a funding shortage.

Crawford Park on the Muskegon River in Osceola County is one that will not be tested for E. Coli after this week.

The department says the beach was closed once last summer because the bacteria exceeded safe levels. High levels can result in conditions like skin rashes or stomach illness.

The health department hopes local governments will cover the expense. It costs 60 dollars each time it tests a beach.

The Central Michigan District Health Department currently tests in Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola, and Roscommon Counties.

Four public beaches on Houghton Lake will continue to be tested through a special grant.

9 and 10's Kyle Mitchell and photojournalist Jeff Blevins have more on the funding shortage.