Efforts Ramping Up To Combat Bay County Beach Closures

Bay County beaches have been plagued by frequent closures this summer due to factors like heavy rains increasing drainage flows and strong winds stirring up bottom sediments.

County Health Officer Joel Strasz says Saginaw Valley State University has developed a faster testing method for e-coli to help reopen beaches more quickly. He added SVSU is also tracking bacteria sources with results  expected to be finalized soon. County health officials are also classifying and mapping every septic system and promise to work with homeowners on proper maintenance of those systems in order to improve overall water quality.