Torch Lake is a particularly beautiful lake, with unusually clear waters that appear bright turquoise and resemble Caribbean waters. This is one of only a few public swimming areas on the lake.
Is Torch Lake water clean?
Torch Lake near Lake Linden is one of five areas of concern in Upper Michigan. EGLE says sediment in the lake is decaying, destroying homes of microorganisms that feed fish, and exposing them to toxins like copper. This makes fish in the lake unsafe to eat.
Is there swimmers itch at Torch Lake?
In Torch Lake, Swimmer’s itch occurs in late May or early June. It can persist through summer.
Is Torch Lake toxic?
At high concentrations, some of the metals found around Torch Lake, such as lead and mercury, cause damage to the nervous system. Others, such as arsenic and chromium, are carcinogens. Others can cause skin ulcerations. Copper, the major metal found in Torch Lake, is more harmful to wildlife than to humans.
Does Torch Lake have beaches?
Unlike neighboring Lake Michigan, Torch Lake has limited public beaches, so this isn’t the kind of lake you can easily drive up to and take a swim in.
What is the cleanest lake in Michigan?
Big Glen Lake
Big Glen Lake is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Michigan. It is near the small town of Glen Arbor in northeast Michigan. Big Glen Lake and its sister waterway, Little Glen Lake were once a part of Lake Michigan during the ice age.
Is Torch Lake MI polluted?
Waste products from industrial milling, smelting and leaching operations of the mined ore are the main source of pollution in Torch Lake. In addition to copper, other contaminants of concern in the AOC are heavy metals, PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Does baby oil prevent swimmer’s itch?
To Reduce the Chance of Getting Swimmer’s Itch
Apply waterproof sunscreen or baby oil to help prevent swimmer’s itch organisms from entering the skin. Thoroughly and briskly towel-off or shower as soon as you leave the water to help prevent swimmer’s itch organisms from entering the skin.
Which Michigan lakes have swimmer’s itch?
The parasites that cause swimmer’s itch are typically found in smaller lakes; the Great Lakes including Lake Michigan, Lake Huron and Lake Superior are often too windy and wavy to sustain the snails and their parasites.
How do you prevent swimmer’s itch?
To reduce the risk of swimmer’s itch:
- Choose swimming spots carefully. Avoid swimming in areas where swimmer’s itch is a known problem or signs warn of possible contamination.
- Avoid the shoreline, if possible.
- Rinse after swimming.
- Skip the bread crumbs.
- Apply waterproof sunscreen.
Why is Torch Lake So Blue?
The combination of fine calcium carbonate white sediment and very low organic content means there’s nothing to darken or discolor the lake’s water.
How many Torch lakes are in Michigan?
Torch Lake is a lake in Northern Michigan. At 19 miles (31 km) long, is Michigan’s longest inland lake, and at approximately 29.3 mi² (76 km²), it is Michigan’s second largest inland lake, after Houghton Lake.
Torch Lake (Antrim County, Michigan)
| Torch Lake | |
|---|---|
| Settlements | Alden, Eastport, Clam River, Torch Lake, Kewadin |
Can you get to Torch Lake from Lake Michigan?
A popular approach to Torch Lake is from Elk Rapids to the west. Boaters coming from Lake Michigan into the Chain of Lakes must arrange shuttle service past the dam. Torch Lake itself has several public access ramps, located at Torch Lake Village, Eastport, Alden, and one at the south end.
Is Torch Lake the clearest lake in Michigan?
Tucked inland near Traverse City sits one of Michigan’s most beautiful natural treasures: Torch Lake.
Which Great Lake is the cleanest?
Lake Superior
Watershed’s surface: 209,000 square kms. Lake Superior is the largest, cleanest, and wildest of all the Great Lakes.
What is the prettiest beach in Michigan?
Best Beaches in Michigan
- Warren Dunes State Park.
- P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.
- Grand Haven.
- South Haven.
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes.
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
- St. Joseph.
Is Torch Lake a party lake?
Michiganders know it as a summer party lake and a vacation destination for the rich and famous, making it a popular spot for the development of resorts and second homes. Many celebrities have second homes in this area.
What’s the prettiest lake in Michigan?
- Lake Huron. Lake Huron, the second-largest of the Great Lakes, tops the list for its pristine turquoise waters, unparalleled shoreline sunrises, numerous lakeside parks, gorgeous beaches, and historic lighthouses.
- Lake Superior.
- Torch Lake.
- Lake Michigan.
- Glen Lake.
- Silver Lake.
- Crystal Lake.
- Higgins Lake.
How deep is Torch Lake Michigan?
It’s about 2 miles wide and is Michigan’s longest lake. With an average depth of 111 feet and 285 feet at the deepest point, it’s also Michigan’s deepest inland lake.
How do you tell if a lake has swimmer’s itch?
Symptoms of Swimmer’s Itch
- Itchy skin rash.
- Begins within 2 hours of swimming in a fresh water lake.
- The rash only occurs on areas exposed to the lake water.
- The first symptom is itching or burning of the skin.
- Then small red spots appear within 1 or 2 hours.
- The spots turn into small red lumps over 1 or 2 days.
Does Benadryl help swimmers itch?
Generally you don’t need to see a doctor for swimmer’s itch. An antihistamine such as Benadryl will decrease the reaction. Rubbing on cortisone cream or calamine lotion will also make you more comfortable, Dr.