Recreational Water

Environmental Health

Applications, complaints, and FOIA requests can be submitted through our online portal.

Recreational Water

Public Swimming Pools

BEDHD inspects public swimming pools to achieve the following objectives:

  • Establish operator competency through audits, education, and certification.
  • Minimize the risk for swimming-associated illnesses, injuries, or deaths.
  • Assure facility contingency plans for response to biohazard (blood, feces, vomit) events at or in the pool.

What Is a Public Swimming Pool?

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) swimming pool rules define a public swimming or spa pool as "an artificial body of water … used for the purpose of swimming, wading, recreation, or instruction." Facilities having public pools consist of schools, hotels, apartments, campgrounds, hospitals, fitness centers, condominiums and neighborhood association, etc.

BEDHD currently audits 73 public swimming pools and spas on a semi-annual basis for safety and environmental hazards. All outdoor pools must have a pre-opening audit prior to opening for the season.

Certified Pool Operators

It is recommended that a certified pool operator (CPO) be the person responsible for operating and maintaining a public swimming pool or spa. Certification is achieved through the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and is valid for five years. Additional information on CPO certification can be found on the NSPF website.

Forms

Education

General Resources

Additional Resources

For additional information on swimming pools, licensing and recreational water illnesses, please visit the following websites:

Beaches

Since 2003, BEDHD has been annually monitoring the surface water quality at various public bathing beaches within the district through the grant source of the Clean Michigan Initiative-Clean Water Fund (CMI-CWF). This monitoring is aims to:

  • Minimize the risk of swimming-associated illness.
  • Increase public awareness of waterborne diseases.
  • Increase park officials’ education and the monitoring and maintenance of publicly used beaches.

What Is a Public Bathing Beach?

A bathing beach is defined as an outdoor public area along a natural or man-made body of water for the intended purpose of recreational use and/or swimming.

Beach Sampling

Each beach is sampled at 3 separate locations at a frequency of 5 times per month. If a beach water sample is found to have above 300 E. coli per 100mL of water, or if the 30 day geometric mean at a sample site is above 130 E. coli per 100mL of water, a swimming advisory will be posted for not meeting Michigan water quality standards for full body contact. A swimming advisory will remain in effect until follow-up samples indicate the water meets the full body contact standards.

For more information on Michigan public beaches, beach monitoring, and beach closings, see EGLE's BeachGuard website.

BEDHD monitors: Gun Lake Main (Middleville, MI), Gun Lake Campground (Middleville, MI), Tyden Park (Hastings, MI), Charlton Park (Hastings, MI), Fox Park (Potterville, MI), and Crandell Park (Charlotte, MI).

Swimmer's Itch

For information on swimmer's itch, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s "Swimmer's Itch" website.

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur when certain types of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) grow rapidly and may produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. HABs are more likely to develop during warm weather and can change quickly.

What to Look For

A harmful algal bloom may appear as:

  • Bright green, blue-green, brown, or reddish water
  • Paint-like scum or streaks on the water's surface
  • Thick mats or floating clumps
  • Pea soup or spilled paint appearance

Not all algae are harmful, and not all harmful blooms are visible.

Health Risks

Exposure to HAB toxins can cause:

  • Skin irritation or rashes
  • Eye irritation
  • Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if water is swallowed
  • Headache or fever

Pets, especially dogs, are at much higher risk because they may drink contaminated water or lick algae from their fur after swimming.

Stay Safe

  • Avoid swimming or wading in water that looks discolored or has visible algae or scum.
  • Do not swallow lake water.
  • Keep children and pets away from suspected blooms.
  • Rinse off with clean water after swimming.
  • If your pet has been in water with a suspected bloom, rinse them immediately and prevent them from licking their fur.

Before You Visit

HAB conditions can change rapidly. Check current advisories before heading to the beach.

Barry and Eaton County beach advisories are available through the Michigan BeachGuard system.

Check Beach Advisories

If You Think You've Been Exposed

If you develop symptoms after contact with lake water, contact your healthcare provider. If your pet becomes ill after swimming, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Beach and Lake Conditions:

  • Harmful Algal Bloom Reports
    • Always report suspicious-looking algae to EGLE by visiting Michigan.gov/HABs and clicking the "Report it to EGLE" button. When filling out the reporting form, please include photo(s) of what you see. You can also make a report by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278.
  • Check out the Michigan BeachGuard System, a public resource that provides information for Michigan beaches including water quality sampling results and beach advisories and closures.

More about E. Coli:

E. Coli bacteria are a common microbe found in the digestive systems of warm-blooded animals, including humans, and can indicate the presence of fecal contamination. E. coli bacteria infect humans through ingestion or skin contact, resulting in diseases such as gastroenteritis (diarrhea), giardia, hepatitis, or cholera.

Elevated E. Coli levels are possible after a storm or strong winds because bacteria are carried in stormwater runoff, including drainage from creeks and ditches, and stirred up from waves.

To reduce the risk of health problems from E. Coli in surface water, you should assume that all surface waters contain some E. Coli, even if there is no advisory or monitoring. Here are some tips to help protect yourself:

  • Avoid swallowing water: When swimming, wade or swim without submerging your head.
  • Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly after touching water, or before touching your eyes or mouth.
  • Choose safe swimming areas: Look for less developed areas with good water circulation, and avoid beaches with visible discharge pipes or urban beaches after heavy rain.
  • Avoid water contact if you have open sores: If you have cuts or other breaks in your skin, avoid contact with water.