The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is lifting a beach advisory for Wilderness State Park in Emmet County. There are no beach advisories in Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego counties.

The water sample taken on Tuesday showed an E. coli level of 209.8 per 100 milliliters (mL) which is below the threshold for a beach advisory based on Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) water quality standards. Full use of the water is considered safe. The beach is located at 903 Wilderness Park Dr. in Carp Lake.

Water sampling is done by HDNW throughout the summer months to monitor E. coli levels at many public beaches. The levels change frequently, impacted by the presence of waterfowl, waves, and more. When a sample triggers an advisory of any type, the water at that beach is sampled daily until test results indicate it is safe for recreational use again. The results are shared to keep the public updated.

HDNW posts beach monitoring reports on social media and weekly on the website at nwhealth.org/beach-monitoring-program/. 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.egle.state.mi.us/beach.

To stay updated on all local health-related news, consider subscribing to our monthly newsletter here. For more information on services offered by HDNW visit our website at nwhealth.org or call us locally at 800-432-4121.