Taking Steps to Reduce Beach Closures

May 14, 2025

By: Erin Parker, Interpretive Services Supervisor

One of great joys of a Michigan summer is a day at the beach- sand, sun, and splashing in one of our many lakes. And there’s nothing more frustrating than getting all loaded up and arriving to find that the beach is closed.

The Metroparks recognize the challenges and frustrations of beach closures, and have worked to put a variety of things in place to support clean water and a summer of fun for everyone.

Bioswales and stormwater runoff in parking lots

When rain falls or snow melts on our parking lots and roads at Lake St Clair Metropark, that water gets warmed up by the dark asphalt surface and carries with it any sand, silt, debris, or litter that was left behind. That warm and potentially polluted water is directed from the parking lots and roads into bioswales- essentially planted culverts that slow, hold, and filter that water so that it doesn’t dump directly into the lake, potentially bringing with it bacteria such as E. coli that is responsible for the majority of beach closures. These steps also reduce chemicals such as fertilizer that could provide nutrients to algae and the aquatic plants that we call seaweed, which also can reduce our enjoyment of our lake swimming days!

Dog waste pick-up

Another potential pathway for bacterial contamination in our lakes and beaches is pet waste. Pets are typically not allowed on beaches for this reason. Dog-waste bags are available throughout the trails and it’s important that dog-walkers remember to take their responsibility to their pets and the park seriously- pet waste, and the bacteria associated with it, are linked to lower water quality and human health impacts. Make sure that all pet waste is bagged and then disposed of in a garbage can, not left behind where the compostable bags can break down in the rain…. and then the contents end up in the water!

Making the beach inhospitable for geese

Another potential pathway for pathogens to enter our water ways is through waste from Canada geese and other waterfowl. These birds are attracted to short, mowed lawns because they eat the plants and also have great sightlines to keep an eye out for predators such as coyotes. When those mowed areas reach the beach, geese view this as the perfect place to eat and then easily escape into the water. To make the beach areas less welcoming, plantings of taller grasses and flowers help break up the long views that geese are seeking. Interspersed with the plantings are speakers that can be used to play predator calls or distress calls that make geese nervous and unwilling to gather. Geese, with their high fiber diet, produce nearly 2 pounds of waste per bird, per day. That’s a lot of potential water contamination if it all washes into the water.

Actions we can take to keep our beaches open and water experiences safe for all

While the Metroparks can work to control some of the issues of water pollution, there are things that every visitor to the park can do to help. Make sure all trash and recycling actually gets into the appropriate container so it doesn’t end up in the lake or left on the beach. Follow all park rules about pets- keep them leashed, only in the areas where dogs are allowed, and make sure you clean up all waste and dispose of it properly in a garbage can or dumpster.

Clean beaches and good water quality mean more great summer experiences for everyone.