No Body Contact Advisory Lifted for Myers Lake;
Continues for Wabasis Lake
GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (August 21, 2026) — The Kent County Health Department (KCHD), in partnership with the Kent County Parks Department, has lifted the No Body Contact Advisory for Myers Lake at Myers Lake Park (7350 Hessler Dr NE, Rockford, MI 49341). However, the advisory remains in effect for Wabasis Lake at Wabasis Campground (11220 Springhill Dr, Greenville, MI 48838) due to continued elevated levels of E. coli bacteria.
Samples collected from Wabasis Lake on Thursday, Aug. 20 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 additional water samples on Monday, Aug. 24 with results anticipated the next day.
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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