E. coli levels Fluctuating at North Beach Park

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 07/20/2023 10:35 AM EDT
ocdph-blue-header

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
July 20, 2023

MEDIA CONTACTS
Alison Clark, Communications Specialist, 616-494-5597, aclark@miottawa.org

Bookmark and Share

E. coli Levels Fluctuating at North Beach Park Due to Dredging

Public is advised to take precautions when visiting park

(HOLLAND, MI) - E. coli levels at North Beach Park continue to fluctuate, likely due to the dredging operations which are ongoing near this location. The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) is advising the community to take precautions when visiting the park.

Recent sampling indicated slightly higher than acceptable levels for E. coli. The geometric mean of beach water samples collected on Tuesday, July 18 was 304.89 E. coli per 100 mL. Michigan's Water Quality Standards for total body contact is a maximum of 300 E. coli per 100 mL.

This notice will remain in effect throughout the remainder of the dredging project.

All  natural bodies of water can contain microorganisms, like E. coli, regardless of how clean or clear the water may look. OCDPH recommends the following precautions to lower your risk of becoming sick while enjoying the lake.

  • Do not swallow lake water and avoid getting water in your mouth.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before eating.
  • Do not swim in water that appears murky, smells foul, or looks polluted in any way.
  • Shower when you return home.

Individuals with questions or concerns regarding public beach water sampling, or those who believe they may have become ill after swimming in the impacted waters, should call the OCDPH at 616-393-5645 during normal business hours, or visit miottawa.org/ochd and click the red “report a concern” button.

More information about surface water quality in Ottawa County is available at miottawa.org/beachwatch.

For the most updated information on public beaches, as well as a listing of water sample results, please visit the Michigan BeachGuard website at www.egle.state.mi.us/beach.

Ottawa County Department of Public Health
The Ottawa County Department of Public Health works with our community to help assure conditions that promote and protect health. OCDPH’s vision is healthy people. For more information, visit miottawa.org/mihealth. Follow OCDPH on Facebook @miOttawaHealth, Instagram @miOCDPH or Twitter @miOCDPH

###