Good News for Pure Michigan Fun

There's nothing like a quick dip in the lake or pool to cool off in this hot summer heat. It's refreshing and relaxing and swimming is fantastic exercise.

Here in Mid-Michigan, you don't have any excuse not too.

From the LSJ -

Area health and environmental experts have deemed mid-Michigan lakes safe for swimming. A recent study by the Natural Resources Defense Council raised questions about bacterial contamination at ocean and fresh water beaches. No local swimming areas made the list.

Andy Bunnell, a health inspector for Ingham County who has conducted beach inspections, said the foam Zhus encountered likely was harmless. Probably nothing more than water stirring up or decaying organisms in the lake.

"If there are any problems with the water, it's not necessarily something you can touch, smell or taste," said Bunnell, adding that's why the health department requires testing of the county's four beaches once a week.

Bunnell said the water quality for swimming in Ingham County is "exceptional," attributing it to the lakes being somewhat isolated, which makes them less likely to experience severe storm water runoff.

This is in contrast to the high number of beaches and lakes across the country that are experiencing increased levels of contamination due to a variety of factors. Growing up the Metro Detroit area, it seems as if Metro Beach was closed more than it was opened.

For a state that prides itself on its lakes, rivers and streams, this is a serious threat to not just our ecological system, but also our tourism industry.

For instance, take a walk over to Michigan.org, home of those fantastic Pure Michigan commercials that send chills up my spine each time I hear one. Look at the number of destinations that are highlighted around water.

We need to take care of our environment, we need to protect our natural resources, and without a doubt, it can be done all the while growing and bolstering our state's economy. It's not rocket science, it's green and life science technology, all things Gov. Granholm and the Democrats have been working hard on.

So while you head down to one of Mid-Michigan's pristine beaches, or head north or west to enjoy our Great Lakes, remember Michigan, and think about how you can help make our Pure Michigan becoming a winning factor here in the state.