Michigan beach water quality data available online

Michigan authorities say an online database can help people learn about water quality before they head for state beaches this summer. The state Department of Environmental Quality said today that information on water quality at 1,210 beaches is available at the BeachGuard site. The department said the site can assure people that their favorite beaches are safe for swimming. DEQ officials said water quality at some beaches can be affected by runoff and sewer overflows during heavy, long rains. Fewer than 1 percent of beaches are affected by runoff closings each summer.