Bloody creek?? What's happening to the water and should I be worried?

2015 The deep blue is reflecting the sky but is actually the rust brown creek flowing toward Lake Michigan.

While the color of Lake Michigan can range from grey to green to blue as it reflects the color of the sky, one color it generally isn't known for is being rust brown...that is unless there is a source of water flowing into the lake that has tannins.

"Heaven's" adjacent creek does just that. Depending on the time of year, "bloody creek" as it is locally known, spills brown colored water into Lake Michigan from a nearby wetland that is composed of decaying trees and plant material.

Because this brown color can be a bit off putting, I have had concerned families ask if it's safe to swim and play in. The short answer is....YES!...and in fact may even be good for your skin! **

If you'd like to learn more about tannins...what makes the water brown...and where they come from click HERE to read the US Forest Service has to say about what tannins are and where they come from. 

**Tannins also play a role in medicine and human health. Remember that tannins are astringents that tighten pores and draw out liquids. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a source of tannin used in a number of skin care products. Although not as popular today, witch hazel can still be bought in bottles at some drug stores. Witch hazel has been used to treat bee stings, skin abrasions, and poison oak and ivy. Witch hazel tannins are also used in mouthwashes, eyewashes and for some bowel conditions.
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2019 - Tannin waters meeting Lake Michigan.

2019 - grandkids playing in tannins from bloody creek. Best thing about a creek near Lake Michigan is it's fun for the little ones!

2009 - Bloody creek helping create a sandbar at the point it meets Lake Michigan.