Recommendations issued by the Department of Health for posting advisory signs at beach areas are based upon the E. coli bacteria content of water samples collected at each beach.
Evaluation of water sample results is based on the single sample maximum standard adopted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in 2004 for the evaluation of fresh water beaches. It is felt that a single sample maximum standard allows beach managers to react more quickly to short-term changes in water quality, thus providing a greater level of protection for the bathing public.
The single sample maximum for E. coli bacteria content is 235 colony forming units (cfu) per 100mL of water tested.
During the summer months selected public beaches along Lake Erie are sampled for E. coli bacteria. The presence of this type of bacteria in beach water is a good indicator of pollution that could be potentially harmful to swimmers. When the amount of bacteria in the water exceeds State standards, beaches are posted with signs that advise against swimming. This site will allow you to view current sample results and provide you with information to help decide when it is safe to swim.
Please go to the Ohio Department's of Health Website for the Sampling results.