Lake Michigan bacteria levels

[Bluefish]

A few of us are going to do some wreck diving in Lake Michigan this weekend. First time I've ever been diving in Lake Michigan! We're going out of Pastrick Marina, and I happened to look up Jeorse Beach and saw that it was closed because of high bacteria levels (it's since re-opened). So my question is, if bacteria levels are high at the beach, is diving safe?

By the way, here's the site:
http://www.earth911.org/WaterQuality/beachhistorybms.asp?station_id=2358

 

[Bob3]

Contaminant levels will vary widely depending on your location. Chances are there was a raw sewage dump just up current/wind from the beach, so depending on where you are relative to the discharge point/outfall, you may be in clear water or hazmat conditions.

 

[Bluefish]

Nifty. I'm thinking maybe I should have a heart-to-heart with my friendly Viking drysuit dealer!

 

[busraider1]

Being from the chicago area, I'm going to blame it on the "cheese-heads" from milwaukee. With all the rain this summer, milwaukee dumps raw sewage into the lake. And hence the beaches are closed, for a period of days, to week(s)... anyway, if your diving a charter, you'll be in deeper water, and hopefully less contaminated. enjoy

 

[Bluefish]

That's good to hear! The plan thus far is Material Service, Tacoma, Louisville, and Illinois/Holly. Thanks for the input all!

 

[MgicTwnger]

Nifty. I'm thinking maybe I should have a heart-to-heart with my friendly Viking drysuit dealer!

If you plan on much Lake Michigan diving, you should definately have that talk. Say hi to Capt. Mike for me, I'll be diving with him again in October.

 

[Bluefish]

Mgictwnger. Looks like you might see Capt Mike before me. He called the dive. I don't know why.... It was only going to be 6' seas and thunderstorms!

 

[MgicTwnger]

Mgictwnger. Looks like you might see Capt Mike before me. He called the dive. I don't know why.... It was only going to be 6' seas and thunderstorms!

What a wuss! He's probably worried about getting blood and puke all over that nice boat of his.

We're trying to put trips togeather for Oct. 2 & 3. Interested?

 

[Bluefish]

Hmmm... How many spots available? Even if I can't, I know of a boatload of divers that were disappointed last weekend.

 

[MgicTwnger]

Hmmm... How many spots available? Even if I can't, I know of a boatload of divers that were disappointed last weekend.

I'm not sure, the boat takes six. Phone # is on the web site:http://www.npursuitcharters.com/
If that number dosn't work, I can PM you with his cell #.