R 323.1062
R 323.1062 Microorganisms.
Cite as Mich. Admin. Code R 323.1062
Rule 62. (1) All surface waters of the state protected for total body contact recreation shall
not contain more than 130 Escherichia coli (E. coli) per 100 milliliters, as a 30-day
geometric mean. Compliance shall be based on the geometric mean of all individual
samples taken during 5 or more sampling events representatively spread over a 30-day
period. Each sampling event shall consist of 3 or more samples taken at representative
locations within a defined sampling area. At no time shall the surface waters of the state
protected for total body contact recreation contain more than a maximum of 300 E. coli per
100 milliliters. Compliance shall be based on the geometric mean of 3 or more samples
taken during the same sampling event at representative locations within a defined sampling
area.
(2) All surface waters of the state protected for partial body contact recreation shall not
contain more than a maximum of 1,000 E. coli per 100 milliliters. Compliance shall be
based on the geometric mean of 3 or more samples, taken during the same sampling event,
at representative locations within a defined sampling area.
(3) Discharges containing treated or untreated human sewage shall not contain more than
200 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 milliliters, based on the geometric mean of all of 5 or
more samples taken over a 30-day period, nor more than 400 fecal coliform bacteria per
100 milliliters, based on the geometric mean of all of 3 or more samples taken during any
period of discharge not to exceed 7 days. Other indicators of adequate disinfection may be
utilized where approved by the department.
(4) The department may suspend the provisions of subrule (3) of this rule, for the purpose
of discharge permit issuance, from November 1 to April 30, upon an adequate
demonstration by the applicant that designated uses will be protected. At a minimum, the
provisions of subrule (2) of this rule shall be met.
(5) Acceptable levels of infectious organisms that are not specifically addressed by the
provisions of subrules (1), (2), and (3) of this rule shall be established by the department
on a case-by-case basis to assure that designated uses are protected.