PORTAGE, Mich. - Ramona Park Beach in Portage is safe for swimmers again.
The beach reopened after being shut down for elevated level of E. coli bacteri.
City officials announced the closure Tuesday morning. According to the Kalamazoo County Department of Environmental Health, water testing revealed elevated levels of E. coli bacteria at the beach on Long Lake. The county will conduct further testing, and the beach will remain closed until the water quality levels meet those set by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
City officials said samples are taken weekly at Ramona Park Beach for E. coli bacteria and submitted to a county lab for analysis. When levels exceed the limits, the beach is closed until they are lowered.
The results of the sampling show the Ramona Park Beach area, not the lake as a whole, have elevated E. coli levels. Several factors can influence bacteria counts: land use, land development, weather conditions, wind direction, air and water temperatures, season, storm water runoff, wildlife concentrations and the number and frequency of bathers.
Patrons of Ramona Park Beach are advised to contact their health provider with questions pertaining to any illnesses. Questions about the beach's water sampling program and water quality standards may be directed to Kalamazoo County Department of Environmental Health at 269-373-5349.
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