Independence Lake closes for swimming as a result of E. coli micro organism

The Washtenaw Health Department introduced Aug. 5, 2026, that Independence Lake is closed for swimming as a result of excessive ranges of E. coli micro organism.

E. coli, also known as Escherichia coli, is a sort of micro organism that’s used as a water quality indicator.

“When E. coli is found in surface waters, it means that there has been fecal contamination,” the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy web site states.

Routine testing completed at public seashores in the course of the current summer season months revealed the excessive ranges of E. coli, Health Department officers mentioned in a statement. Independence Beach will stay closed till follow-up checks show the degrees are thought-about protected for swimming, officers mentioned.

The statement mentioned that the possible reason for the elevated ranges of E. coli is a mixture of current rainstorms and an extreme quantity of geese and geese on the seashores.

The Michigan Public Health Code permits public seashore closures if E. coli micro organism ranges are above what they need to be.

“E. coli bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems,” the statement mentioned.

While swimming on the public seashore at Independence Lake is just not permitted, different actions that don’t contain physique contact with water are allowed, like fishing, Health Department officers mentioned.

The assertion encourages those that have questions or considerations concerning public seashore water sampling, or those that might have grow to be sick after swimming within the impacted water, to name the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division at (734) 222-3800 or go to www.washtenaw.org/envhealth.