• Wilderness State Park Advisory Issued

    Wilderness State Park Advisory Issued 
    Routine Water Quality Testing Detected Elevated Bacteria Levels

     
    The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is issuing a full body advisory for Wilderness State Park, in Emmet County.

    The advisory is posted at the beach. The water sample taken Monday showed an E. coli level of 2,149.6 per 100 milliliters (mL). According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) water quality standards, E. coli levels above 1,000 per 100 mL qualify for a full body advisory, which means no full body contact with the water. Beach goers are recommended to use other beaches in the area. 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 presences 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.