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Public and staff debate E. coli beach testing after state and federal funding cuts; board hears proposal for faster tests
Summary
Public commenters and park staff discussed reduced E. coli testing at Washington Park beaches after federal funding cuts. Staff and commenters debated test frequency, timing and the value of investing in equipment for faster two‑hour tests and more actionable public alerts.
Visiting residents and park staff raised concerns May 21 about reduced E. coli testing at Michigan City beaches after federal funding changes that cut sampling frequency; board members and staff discussed alternatives including faster on‑site tests and targeted sampling after rain events.
Resident Scott Mellon and others told the board federal budget reductions have cut testing from seven daily samples to three at some locations and urged clarification on whether the city would backfill testing. Shannon and other park staff said discussions with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the council were underway; staff noted councilman Don Przybylinski offered potential city funding to make up testing shortfalls at a recent council meeting.
Why it matters: Beach water testing informs public health warnings. Under the current protocol, lab test results are typically available a day after sampling, which means any closure or alert can be delayed relative to real‑time beach conditions. Staff discussed equipment and lab upgrades that would allow two‑hour test results and more timely public notifications.
Discussion and options
Public comments noted the city historically performed multiple samples at higher‑use sites (Washington Park and Stop 2) and that a sample collected Monday may not be informative for Sunday bathers because results arrive with a time lag. Shannon said the park department and IDEM are exploring funding to buy faster testing equipment for regional labs and two‑hour test strips that would provide quicker results and more useful public notifications while maintaining longer‑term sanitary survey models.
Board members and staff emphasized that Michigan City beaches have been comparatively clean and that closures were rare; staff also listed preventive measures already in place, including covered garbage cans and an animal‑feeding ordinance to reduce contamination.
Next steps
Shannon encouraged stakeholders with IDEM connections to pursue state or federal equipment funding; council and park staff will continue to evaluate testing frequency and equipment options and report back to the board.
