Pollution alert!
Severe contamination found in White Ditch demands immediate clean-up

Infectious E-coli bacteria has been detected in concentrations 33 times the amount considered safe for swimming beaches in White Ditch that runs through Indiana and Michigan to enter the Lake between Michigan's Grand Beach and the Village of Michiana.  E-coli infested waters pose a serious threat to swimmers as well as to the drinking water supply.

Results from sampling White Ditch Creek by Berrien County Health Department staff on 8/13/14 are as follows; 11,000, 10,000 and 10,000 (E. coli per 100 mL). 

Compare results to beach standards-- geometric average no more than a count of 300.   Compare to Recreational use of stream standards-- (not bathing, but partial body contact like wading, canoeing, etc.) present an average no greater than a count of 1,000.

Please pass the sampling information along - the situation needs urgent attention!  These contaminants affect the Lake at the point where of entry as well as the swimming beaches up and down the coast where currents carry them.  These polluted waters also contaminate areas along White Ditch as it meanders through inland and coastal neighborhoods in both states.