The Washtenaw Health Department announced Aug. 5, 2026, that Independence Lake is closed for swimming due to high levels of E. coli bacteria.
E. coli, also known as Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that is 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 website states.
Routine testing done at public beaches during the recent summer months revealed the high levels of E. coli, Health Department officials said in a statement. Independence Beach will remain closed until follow-up tests prove the levels are considered safe for swimming, officials said.
The statement said that the likely cause of the elevated levels of E. coli is a combination of recent rainstorms and an excessive amount of ducks and geese on the beaches.
The Michigan Public Health Code permits public beach closures if E. coli bacteria levels are above what they should be.
"E. coli bacteria can cause gastrointestinal illness and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems," the statement said.
While swimming at the public beach at Independence Lake is not permitted, other activities that do not involve body contact with water are allowed, like fishing, Health Department officials said.
The statement encourages those who have questions or concerns regarding public beach water sampling, or those who may have become sick after swimming in the impacted water, to call the Washtenaw County Environmental Health Division at (734) 222-3800 or visit www.washtenaw.org/envhealth.
