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The St. Clair County Health Department’s water quality beach monitoring program kicks-off on Friday, May 24, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The Health Department tests for E. coli bacteria weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day at eight public beaches along Lake Huron and the St. Clair River. E. coli bacteria is found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, can indicate the presence of viruses and pathogens that can make people sick. Water naturally contains microorganisms regardless of how clean or clear the water look. Beaches may close after a heavy rainfall or strong wind storm because bacteria are washed into waterways or stirred up from waves. A beach is closed whenever E. coli water quality standards are exceeded. Beach monitoring results are posted on the 24-hour Water Quality Hotline at 877-504-SWIM.