Beach Water Sampling
Ottawa County has beautiful beaches! But even water that looks clean and clear can contain germs and bacteria that make people sick.
Beach water can be contaminated by rain and agricultural runoff, animal waste, and failing septic systems. OCDPH tests the water for E. coli at beaches across Ottawa County every week from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Check our dashboard below before you head to the beach — it’s updated weekly with the latest E. coli test results and shows the current risk level at each beach tested. If a beach has high E. coli levels, OCDPH will notify the public that it may not be safe to swim.
OCDPH does not issue safety notices based on weather or wave conditions, but rip currents and undertows can be strong and dangerous. Visit NOAA.gov to learn more about rip current safety and always follow posted beach flags and warnings.
Are Ottawa County beaches unclean?
On the contrary! Ottawa County boasts some of the cleanest and most beautiful fresh water beaches in the country. A recent publication of the National Resources Defense Council reported less than three percent of beach water samples collected in Ottawa County had excessive E. coli levels compared to five percent statewide.
What is beach water tested for?
Beach water is tested for E. coli, which is a type of bacteria found in intestines of animals and humans.
How often is the beach water tested?
The water from the public beaches listed above is tested weekly from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Ottawa County has one of the most progressive beach water quality programs in the Great Lakes region thanks to our partnership with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.
How are beach water samples taken?
Water samples are taken one foot below the surface in water that is between three and six feet in depth. OCDPH collects three samples at various points along the swimming area each time a beach is tested. Results of the analysis are typically available within 24 hours.
What do the results mean?
If the results of three test samples average to less than 300 E. coli per 100 milliliters of water, the risk of recreational water illnesses is minimal. If the test results over a 30 day period average below 130 E. coli per 100 ml of water, the risk of recreational water illnesses is minimal. High levels of E. coli indicate contamination and the possible presence of other harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses in the water.
Where does E. coli come from?
There are many sources including rain and agricultural runoff, animal waste, and failing septic systems, as well as water fowl and other wild animals living near or in the water.
How can germs and bacteria in beach water affect me?
All natural bodies of water, including beaches, have germs and bacteria which can cause illness. Exposure to beach water with high levels of contamination can cause ear, eye, nose and throat infections, gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, or other infections. Learn more about preventing swimming-related illness.
Why did I hear a report of a "No Body Contact Advisory" being issued by the Health Department?
A “No Body Contact Advisory” is issued in response to a wastewater (sewage) overflow. An advisory is sent after an accidental wastewater discharge from a municipal sewer system into nearby streams, rivers, or other water bodies to inform the community that the water may not be safe to touch. Once the water is tested and meets safe recreational use levels, the advisory will be lifted.
Where can I find information about other Michigan beaches?
Check out the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ‘s Beachguard page.