Washtenaw County Health Department is closing Independence Lake beach at Independence Lake County Park due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. Independence Lake is in located in Webster Township, and the park is operated by Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation, 3200 Jennings Road, Whitmore Lake. The high levels were detected through routine testing done at public bathing beaches during the summer months. The closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until follow-up tests show the bacteria levels are at levels considered safe for swimming.
E. coli bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. The Michigan Public Health Code allows for public beach closures if E. coli bacteria levels exceed set thresholds. Elevated levels of E. coli bacteria can sometimes appear due to animal feces in the water or heavy rains.
The public beach at Independence Lake County Park is closed to swimming. Other forms of recreation that do not involve body contact with the water, like fishing, are permitted. The beach will remain closed until additional testing demonstrates bacteria levels have been reduced. The Michigan Public Health Code allows for public beach closures if E. coli bacteria levels exceed set thresholds.
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, are encouraged to call the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division at 734-222-3800 during normal business hours, or visit www.washtenaw.org/envhealth.
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.