E.Coli Testing Results

The SLIC board conducts annual E.coli testing to keep tabs on our lake's water quality.  Similar tests occur at public beaches during the summer and can result in beach shutdowns to keep people safe.  High E.coli levels on our lake can indicate a failing septic system from a residential lakefront property or an area where water foul or wildlife tend to congregate.  Since all Silver Lake properties are on well and septic, we need to be more alert than lakes with residential sewer systems.

2022 Results:

• 10 samples were taken on July 7th at various points around the lake.
• None of the samples were near a level that would result in a beach closure.
• All samples measured in EGLE level 1, which is very good.
• 9 of 10 samples were at or less than 10 CFU/100ml
• 1 sample was at 20 CFU/100ml
• Less than 10 CFU is the lowest reported E. coli level the EGLE Michigan state lab reports. 

2021 Results:

• 10 samples were taken on August 11th at various points around the lake.
• None of the samples were near a level that would result in a beach closure.
• All samples measured in EGLE Level 1, which is very good.
• Water sampling results ranged from 40 CFU/100mL (at 2 sites) to less than 10 CFU/mL (at 4 sampling locations).
• Less than 10 CFU is the lowest reported E. coli level the EGLE Michigan state lab reports. 

EGLE Levels                                                                                                                                                          E.coli Levels

Level 1    E.coli level meet EGLE swimming standards for full body contact.                                     (Single Event 0-300 E.coli/100mL)

Level 2    E.coli levels meet EGLE standard for wading, fishing and boating. 

                 Contact above the waist not advised.                                                                                          (Single Event 301-1,000 E.coli/100mL) 

Level 3    E.coli levels exceed EGLE, no body contact advised                                                                (Single Event E.coli >1,000/100mL)

Level 4    Health Alert. E.coli levels and/or known gross contamination of beach waters. 

                  Avoid contact with beach waters.