Is there bacteria in Lake Michigan?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of fecal coliform bacteria that live in the intestines of animals and humans. The presence of E. coli in the water along Lake Michigan's shoreline is a strong indication that the water was recently contaminated by sewage or animal fecal waste.



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Safe for Swimming? The answer is, it depends. Under the right conditions, Lake Michigan is safe for swimming. But this lake can also present dangerous, even deadly, conditions for swimmers.

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If you swallow a drop of water from Lake Michigan, it will contain roughly a million bacterial cells and 10 million bacteriophages—tiny viruses that infect bacteria and may outnumber every other organism on Earth.

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Should you shower after swimming in Lake Michigan? Take a shower: Bathe yourself after swimming in a lake in order to maintain hygiene and stay clean. If bacteria has not entered your body, it may be actively resting on your skin, creating a rash or finding an open cut to infect.

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Lake Michigan in particular is the roughest of the Great Lakes, and poses a major risk to those thinking of taking a dip.

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Lake Michigan water temperatures Lake Michigan sees its warmest water temperatures typically from late-June through mid-September. It's not uncommon to have surface water temperatures in the 70s and sometimes even low 80s along the West Michigan lakeshore in that same time frame.

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Smelly or Discolored Water The smell or appearance of water can also indicate water pollution. Water contaminated with sulfur or certain bacteria will emit the smell of rotten eggs. High iron levels give water an orange color. High manganese levels will cause water to look purple or black.

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