Why are the beaches monitored by the Porter County Health Department?
To protect the public’s health, the Department conducts weekly sampling throughout the summer months. The water sample is taken in a central location of the bathing beach and in water at least three feet deep. Water samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the results exceed 235cfu, then the risk of illness increases and the beach is required to be closed. How do bacteria get in the water? There are a variety of sources that contribute bacteria to surface water: Storm runoff following a rain Agricultural runoff Wild and domestic animal waste Bather defecation Illegal sewer connections to storm sewers or roadside ditches, or direct discharges to the lake Malfunctioning sewage disposal systems, combined and sanitary sewer overflows What type of illness can you get from swimming in contaminated water? Gastroenteritis type illness is the most common, with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and low grade fever. Skin rashes and earaches may also be
