Public Beach Monitoring

The Grand Traverse County Health Department's (GTCHD) Environmental Health Division collaborates with the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay to safeguard the well-being of various public beaches across the county. Water samples are collected and then analyzed for E. coli to ensure that the water is safe for people.  

The "Water Quality Index", is a numerical system of alerting the public regarding contact with surface water.

 LEVEL 1: E.coli levels meet MDEQ swimming standards for full body contact.

 LEVEL 2: E.coli levels meet MDEQ standards for wading, fishing, and boating. Contact above the waist is not advised.

 LEVEL 3: E.coli levels exceed MDEQ standards, no body contact advised.

 LEVEL 4: Health Alert. E.coli levels and/or known gross contamination of beach waters. Avoid body contact with beach waters. 

In addition, the GTCHD has organized a coalition of agencies known as the "Beach Monitoring Stakeholders Group" that regularly meets to discuss surface water quality issues as they relate to healthy beaches.

2025 Reports: 

Beach reports are in PDF format.