IT’S TIME FOR the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department to start weekly testing of the Huron River’s water between Barton Pond and the Dixboro Dam. The Huron River Watershed Council pointedly does not test the river’s water within the city limits and on the group’s website officials cagily counsel that “personal judgment is advised for swimming in the river.” We don’t believe fobbing off responsibility onto individuals is ethical when it comes to health, safety and welfare of the city’s residents.
The city’s canoe liveries rent tubes which immerse users in the river as they float between the Argo and Gallup liveries, as well as sit atop kayaks and stand up paddle boards. While the Huron River Watershed Council recommends not entering the Huron River for 48 hours after heavy rains due to elevated E. coli levels, city canoe liveries nonetheless allow users to rent tubes and navigate the Cascades; individuals are immersed.
The cost of weekly water tests is minimal, and posting the results on the city’s website would be a service to the community. We believe it’s time for Ann Arbor’s elected officials to direct staff to implement a comprehensive weekly water testing program for the months in which the canoe liveries are open.
I completely agree with this editorial. The testing must be done. At public beaches they test the beaches, as such we should also test the water in the river.
I’ve witnessed oil running out of the outfall near the University of Michigan hospital and into the river. I’ve witnessed children swimming in water that was covered in oil the day before. I’ve witnessed dogs drinking it. I’ve witnessed people doing this, without being notified of a spill.
For the sake of public safety, this testing must be done. Do it near the outfall at the UofM Hospital and do it in other spots as well.