No Body Contact Advisory Issued for Wabasis Lake
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 5, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD), in partnership with the Kent County Parks Department, has issued a No Body Contact Advisory for Wabasis Lake at Wabasis Campground (11220 Springhill Dr, Greenville, MI 48838), effective immediately, due to elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
Routine water quality samples collected on Tuesday, Aug. 4, detected E. coli levels exceeding Michigan's recreational water quality standard for total body contact recreation of 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water. As a precaution, the advisory will remain in effect until follow-up testing confirms E. coli levels are below the state threshold. The KCHD will collect another water sample on Thursday, Aug. 6, to determine whether the advisory can be lifted or should remain in effect.
Exposure to elevated E. coli levels can increase the risk of illness, particularly gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the ears, eyes, nose, and skin. While the advisory is in place, visitors are advised to avoid all body contact with the water, including:
- Swimming
- Wading
- Splashing
- Water sports or other activities that involve contact with the water
Elevated E. coli levels can occur following rainfall, wildlife activity, or other environmental factors and do not necessarily indicate a long-term water quality issue.
For more information about E. coli in surface water and recreational water quality testing, please visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) website.
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