Barry-Eaton District Health Department

08/14/2026

[8/14/2026]: Jordan Lake No Full Body Contact Advisory Lifted

The no full body contact advisory for Jordan Lake has been lifted based on E. coli sample results collected on August 14, 2026.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Ionia County Health Department have been working with the Lakewood Wastewater Authority following the recent sanitary sewer overflow.

We would like to thank the Lakewood Wastewater Authority for going above and beyond in their daily sampling efforts, collecting samples from numerous locations throughout the lake. Their commitment to monitoring water quality and protecting public health has been a valuable public service to the community.

Thank you to everyone who followed the advisory while it was in place.

[8/14/2026]: Jordan Lake No Full Body Contact Advisory Lifted

The no full body contact advisory for Jordan Lake has been lifted based on E. coli sample results collected on August 14, 2026.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Ionia County Health Department have been working with the Lakewood Wastewater Authority following the recent sanitary sewer overflow.

We would like to thank the Lakewood Wastewater Authority for going above and beyond in their daily sampling efforts, collecting samples from numerous locations throughout the lake. Their commitment to monitoring water quality and protecting public health has been a valuable public service to the community.

Thank you to everyone who followed the advisory while it was in place.

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[8/12/2026]: The Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Ionia County Health Department are working with the Lakewood Wastewater Authority regarding a sanitary sewer overflow affecting Jordan Lake.

Based on water samples collected from Jordan Lake on August 12, 2026, elevated E. coli levels were detected, and a total body contact advisory is recommended.

This advisory means avoiding activities where water goes above your waist or your head is submerged to help prevent water from entering your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Lakewood Wastewater Authority will continue monitoring water quality at various points throughout Jordan Lake. Updates will be provided as follow-up sample results become available.

08/14/2026

👁️ August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month!

Healthy vision is an important part of a child's success in school, sports, and everyday life. Because vision changes can happen gradually, kids may not realize they're having trouble seeing.

As your child heads back to school, watch for signs they may be having vision problems, including:
📖 Holding books or screens very close
😣 Frequent headaches or eye rubbing
👀 Squinting to see things far away
✏️ Difficulty reading or paying attention in class

The good news? Many vision problems can be corrected when they're found early.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department provides vision screenings for children to help identify potential concerns. If you have questions about your child's vision or want to learn more about our screening services, visit www.barryeatonhealth.org.

Let's help every child see their best this school year! 🍎📚

08/14/2026

[8/14/2026 UPDATE]: Both advisories have been lifted after retesting showed bacteria levels are within safe limits for water contact.

[8/14/2026 UPDATE]: Both advisories have been lifted after retesting showed bacteria levels are within safe limits for water contact.

🚨 Beach Water Quality Update 🚨

Recent water testing found elevated levels of E. coli at two Barry County beaches:

Tyden Park Beach: 2,420 MPN
🚫 NO-CONTACT ADVISORY: Swimming, wading, fishing, and other water-contact activities are not recommended at this time.

Charlton Park Beach: 866 MPN
⚠️ SWIMMING ADVISORY: Swimming and other full-body water contact are not recommended at this time.

These elevated bacteria levels can increase the risk of illness if water is swallowed or comes into contact with your eyes, mouth, or open cuts.

🌧️ A good rule of thumb after heavy rain: Consider waiting before getting in the water. Large rainfall events can wash bacteria and other contaminants into lakes and streams, and wastewater overflows can also occur.

We’ll continue monitoring conditions and will share updates as new results become available.

Check current beach conditions and test results on BeachGuard: tinyurl.com/mibeachguard

08/13/2026

Meningitis can move fast. Vaccination can help protect you.

Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and serious blood infections. It can become life-threatening very quickly.

The meningococcal vaccine helps protect against the bacteria that can cause this serious illness.

Teens should get a meningococcal vaccine at 11–12 years old, with a booster at age 16.

Not sure if you or your child is up to date? Check your vaccine record or talk with your healthcare provider.

Don’t wait. Get protected.

08/12/2026

[8/14/2026]: Jordan Lake No Full Body Contact Advisory Lifted

The no full body contact advisory for Jordan Lake has been lifted based on E. coli sample results collected on August 14, 2026.

The Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Ionia County Health Department have been working with the Lakewood Wastewater Authority following the recent sanitary sewer overflow.

We would like to thank the Lakewood Wastewater Authority for going above and beyond in their daily sampling efforts, collecting samples from numerous locations throughout the lake. Their commitment to monitoring water quality and protecting public health has been a valuable public service to the community.

Thank you to everyone who followed the advisory while it was in place.

******
[8/12/2026]: The Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Ionia County Health Department are working with the Lakewood Wastewater Authority regarding a sanitary sewer overflow affecting Jordan Lake.

Based on water samples collected from Jordan Lake on August 12, 2026, elevated E. coli levels were detected, and a total body contact advisory is recommended.

This advisory means avoiding activities where water goes above your waist or your head is submerged to help prevent water from entering your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth.

Lakewood Wastewater Authority will continue monitoring water quality at various points throughout Jordan Lake. Updates will be provided as follow-up sample results become available.

08/12/2026

Our FREE Narcan by mail program helps make Narcan available when it’s hard to find nearby.

Individuals living in Barry or Eaton County can request free overdose prevention supplies through a simple online form and have them mailed directly to their home.

Visit https://barryeatonhealth.org/harm-reduction/ to request yours.

08/11/2026

[8/14/2026 UPDATE]: Both advisories have been lifted after retesting showed bacteria levels are within safe limits for water contact.

🚨 Beach Water Quality Update 🚨

Recent water testing found elevated levels of E. coli at two Barry County beaches:

Tyden Park Beach: 2,420 MPN
🚫 NO-CONTACT ADVISORY: Swimming, wading, fishing, and other water-contact activities are not recommended at this time.

Charlton Park Beach: 866 MPN
⚠️ SWIMMING ADVISORY: Swimming and other full-body water contact are not recommended at this time.

These elevated bacteria levels can increase the risk of illness if water is swallowed or comes into contact with your eyes, mouth, or open cuts.

🌧️ A good rule of thumb after heavy rain: Consider waiting before getting in the water. Large rainfall events can wash bacteria and other contaminants into lakes and streams, and wastewater overflows can also occur.

We’ll continue monitoring conditions and will share updates as new results become available.

Check current beach conditions and test results on BeachGuard: tinyurl.com/mibeachguard

08/11/2026

⚠️ Health alert for anyone who had contact with pigs at the Kent County Youth Fair ⚠️

Swine flu was detected in pigs at the fair, and we're advising anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for flu-like symptoms for 10 days.
Symptoms may include fever, tiredness, cough, runny nose, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

If you develop symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or local health department for testing. The BEDHD Communicable Disease Team can be reached at 📲 517-541-2641.

08/11/2026

Gonorrhea is a common STI that often has no symptoms. Confidential testing, counseling, and treatment are available at our office for individuals ages 13 and older.

Appointments include a brief counseling session and a simple test for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Results are typically available within one week.

Positive gonorrhea cases receive free treatment, and partners may also receive testing and treatment.

Call us to schedule: Charlotte: 517-543-2430, Hastings: 269-945-9516

08/10/2026

The income guidelines for the Michigan Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program were recently adjusted due to federal guidelines, and more Michigan families may now qualify for benefits.

Learn more about WIC at: barryeatonhealth.og/wic