The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is extending a partial body beach advisory for Richardi Park in the Village of Bellaire, Antrim County. The advisory is posted at the beach.

According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) water quality standards, E. coli levels testing between 301 and 1,000 per 100 milliliters (ml) qualify for a partial body contact advisory. With partial body contact, wading, paddling, and fishing are considered safe.

A water sample collected Monday as a follow-up showed an E. coli level of 568.5 per 100 ml, which requires a partial body beach advisory. The beach is located at E. Antrim Street in Bellaire.

The beach will be retested today, Tuesday. Results will be shared with the public Wednesday, Aug. 7.

Water sampling is done throughout the summer months to monitor E. coli levels at many public

beaches. The levels change frequently, influenced by the presence of birds, wave activity, and the impact of storms and rainfall, which significantly contribute to variations in E. coli levels. When a sample comes back that creates an advisory of any type, the water at that beach is sampled again the next day to keep the public updated.

Through an EGLE supported web-based program, the public has real-time access to beach water quality results for beaches all over Michigan. Information can be found at www.deq.state.mi.us/beach/.