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But that changed last week when State Rep. Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) announced in a press release that the DEQ will provide at least $10,000 of funding to test the shallow water (three feet or less) at public beaches in both counties.

"Our children and grandchildren mostly play in the water closest to the shore, and yet we currently have no way of knowing whether that water is teeming with E. coli," Brown stated.

He added, "The muck problem that is plaguing Saginaw Bay makes it especially critical that we monitor the water at these beaches."

According to the release, DEQ officials notified Brown last Wednesday about the funding, which will be earmarked for shallow-water testing in the budget year that begins Oct. 1.

"Our residents deserve to know whether the water they... are swimming in puts their health at risk," Brown explained.

He added, "This is a basic need that must be met."