UPDATE AS OF 8/15/18 FROM THE CITY OF PORTAGE:

After further testing at Ramona Park Beach on Tuesday, August 14, the Kalamazoo County Department of Environmental Health advised the City of Portage that the water at Ramona Park Beach on Long Lake is safe for swimmers. The beach is open!


This morning the Kalamazoo County Department of Environmental Health informed the City of Portage that the Ramona Park Beach on Long Lake had elevated levels of        E. coli bacteria, after multiple tests were run on the water. According to the press release, until the water reaches safe levels as inforced by Michigan Water Quality Standards, Remona Park will remain closed.

Weekly tests are performed on the water by Environmental Health to ensure its' safety. The samples which proved to show the elevated levels of E.Coli were not necessarily reflective of the lake itself, but primarily the beach area. Portage's Press Release explains:

 Several factors can influence bacteria counts: land use and land development, weather conditions, wind direction, air and water temperatures, season, storm water runoff, wildlife concentrations and the number and frequency of bathers.

Anyone with concerns has been prompted to contact their physician with any questions about illnesses they may have contracted, if any.


BONUS VIDEO: THIS KALAMAZOO KID DOESN'T MIND A LITTLE MUD!

 

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