The Environmental Health Division is responsible for monitoring public recreational waters in Washtenaw County. Staff inspect public swimming pools, and collect water samples from pools and beaches for bacterial testing. If the bacteria levels are unsafe, we will notify the pool or beach operators to take corrective action. The Environmental Health Division will close public beaches and swimming pools if unsafe conditions cannot be corrected immediately.
All of Washtenaw County's public swimming pools are inspected by the Environmental Health Division to ensure the pools are following State guidelines. Seasonal outdoor pools must pass an inspection before they are allowed to open, and year-round pools must pass yearly inspections to remain open.
Environmental Health staff collect water samples from the five public beaches throughout Washtenaw County from Memorial Day through September. To protect public health and to prevent the spread of disease, the samples are analyzed for E. Coli bacteria levels.
Washtenaw County Environmental Health does not routinely sample water bodies located on private property. If you are wondering if the pond or lake on your private property or in your subdivision is safe for swimming, or if you want to know how best to sample the water, please see our fact sheet: Is my pond or lake safe for swimming? (PDF)