Washtenaw County Health Department is re-opening Independence Lake beach at Independence Lake County Park today (Sept 4, 2020). The beach was closed last month due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. Testing shows levels have improved. Swimming is now allowed. Please continue to use caution: The 30 day average is still above the recommended limit. Do not swallow water and be alert to signs of illness. 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.
E. coli bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. Elevated levels of E. coli bacteria can sometimes appear due to animal feces in the water or heavy rains. The E. coli may have been caused by a mixture of recent rainstorms and an unusually high amount of ducks and geese on the beaches. Bird feces can be washed into the lakes by stormwater.
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.