The Detroit News Lake St. Clair draws boaters, fishermen and swimmers to its rejuvenated waters. Fishermen and home owners who live along the lake marvel at the clean water and good fishing. Nonetheless, the lake has been called a cesspool because, in the most recent round of beach closings beginning in 1994, swimmers have been ordered out of the water dozens of times after health inspectors found high bacteria levels. But it's wrong to say the whole lake is polluted.
Bacteria are nearly nonexistent offshore.
Even in shoreline areas where beaches are often closed, the water has tested safe 87 percent of the time since 1994. Industrial and sewage pollution have been crimped significantly by environmental laws. It has always had pollution problems. The health of the lake is key to Macomb County's economy and reputation. The lake is a haven for fishermen and boaters, who bring dollars to the area's stores, marinas and other businesses.