Contact: David Meister
Onekama Township Supervisor
231-889-3308

For Immediate Release

ONEKAMA TOWNSHIP MONITORS PORTAGE LAKE TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH

Onekama, Michigan – Onekama Township recently completed water quality monitoring efforts aimed at protecting public health at popular swimming areas around Portage Lake during the season of high use. The Township is pleased to report that all samples met state water quality standards for partial and total body contact.

“Protecting public health of residents and visitors that enjoy swimming and other recreational activities in Portage Lake is a priority for the Township. We are pleased that the results from popular swimming areas around the lake all came back well below levels of concern”, reports Onekama Township Supervisor David Meister.

Popular swimming areas near the Portage Point Inn, Little Eden Camp, Village of Onekama Beach, Covenant Lake Bible Camp and Wik-A-Te-Wah were sampled on two occasions to determine levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli), an indicator of potential public health risk. The presence of E. coli in water is an indication that recent contamination by gray water (from showering, laundry, etc.), sewage, or animal waste has occurred. One sampling event occurred in July during prime swimming conditions and the other event occurred in August after a significant rain event. Often E. coli levels are highest after heavy rain due to increased input from runoff, stormwater, and groundwater. On both occasions and at all sites, levels of E. coli were well below thresholds of concern. All samples were analyzed using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved methods by SOS Analytical, Inc. in Traverse City, Michigan.

Because of efforts currently underway to engage the community in developing the Portage Lake Watershed Forever Plan that will inform future water quality monitoring needs and efforts, Onekama Township implemented this interim water quality monitoring strategy during 2007. Public Sector Consultants, the firm engaged to assist the community in developing the watershed plan, provided expertise to Onekama Township in developing and implementing the interim strategy. For a copy of the water quality monitoring results, please contact Helen Mathieu, Onekama Township Clerk, at (231) 889-3308. Copies are available at the Onekama Township Hall.

Note: for more information regarding E. coli read this article: Living and Dealing with E. Coli