Surveys were conducted in LaPorte County at different events, as well as in our office. Surveys were geared to help us determine the level of knowledge of the average beach user relating to environmental water quality issues and how they relate to their health.

Most of our participants (43.8%) were 35-50 years old and 30.9% of all participants had children under 12. Most of the people that took the survey were from out of town (52.5%). Participants were generally not aware of the fact that daily surface water testing was conducted on the water along Lake Michigan Beaches.

The preferred method by half of the majority (35.2%) to receive the surface water testing results was via the newspaper. The other half of the majority (35.2%) was more interested in seeing signs posted at the beach regarding whether or not the beach was open or closed. Percentages were very similar to last year’s survey with the exception that last year, participants were much more aware of the testing that we were conducting.

Overall, the results are getting posted over every vehicle of media currently available. More notification must be conducted to bring people’s attention to these media sources.

For current testing results, click here.

For historical test data, click here.

Lighthouse

Playing in the water

Life Guard Stand at Beach