The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has shut down beaches at Gun Lake, Swan Lake and Pier Cove Beach  Because of concerns of a recent rise in El.Coli levels.

Health advisories are now in place at the boat launch at Swan Lake, Gun Lake County Park Beach and Pier Cove Beach on Lake Michigan.

EGLE’s BeachGuard system reported that all three beaches were closed Thursday and the high bacteria levels were likely caused by storm water runoff.

Water quality standards for E. coli  are 300 bacteria per 100 milliliters on any daily reading and 130 bacteria per 100 milliters over a 30-day average.

Samples gathered Wednesday at Gun Lake showed levels above 700 bacteria per 100 ml.

The closure at Gun Lake is the first of the year for Gun Lake.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has reported that most kinds of E. coli are harmless, but some can cause illnesses such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia and even sepsis, which can be fatal.

The Allegan County Health Department advises potential swimmers to use the restroom before swimming and avoiding water that “smells foul, looks murky or immediately after a heavy rain.” The agency also encourages people not to swallow lake water and to wash their hands before eating.