Scientist advises small children, pets stay out of water at Lake Harbor Park [Video]

NORTON SHORES — A contamination advisory has been put in place for Lake Harbor Park, due to an elevated amount of E.coli bacteria in the near-shore water of Lake Michigan.

People are advised to keep small children and pets out of the water, don’t drink the water, avoid fully submerging your head underwater and rinse off afterwards, if deciding to “swim at your own risk,” said Alexis Porter, research scientist for the Grand Valley State University Annis Water Resources Institute.

“Be cautious about swimming in really green water,” Porter said. “It could be nothing or it could be the death of a pet, the range of potential is pretty drastic.”

The Michigan Beach Guard website has updated information on beach advisories and closures. Lake Harbor Park is still open. Porter said Lake Michigan as a whole is safe, but the shoreline area near Lake Harbor Park is a point of concern.

The reason for the …