E.coli closes Bond Falls

MARQUETTE — The high levels of E.coli that have closed beaches and lakes throughout the Western Upper Peninsula has impacted another popular body of water, as the Upper Peninsula Power Company announced Wednesday it was closing the Bond Falls Reservoir.

An UPPCO spokesman said the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department found high levels of E.coli and/or fecal coliform bacteria in surface water samples taken at the reservoir.

“As a result, the WUPHD has closed the Bond Falls Reservoir to all recreational activities until further notice,” the spokesman said. “UPPCO officials would like to remind people to play it safe and abide by the temporary closure imposed by the WUPHD until they have determined the area is safe for recreational use.”

Most Western U.P. waters remain closed to swimming and other recreational activities.

The contamination of the bodies of water appears to be related to storms earlier this month, when heavy rains caused flooding across parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin and the U.P.

Both health department and UPPCO officials said they recognize the closures potentially impact people’s Fourth of July holiday plans.

“As summertime weather continues, and the Fourth of July holiday grows near, we understand people are interested in recreating on the Bond Falls Reservoir,” UPPCO’s vice president of business development and communications Brett French said in the news release. “We are concerned about people’s safety and will notify the public as soon as WUPHD has indicated the reservoir is safe for recreation and can reopen.

Announcements regarding beach openings and closures can be found at the department’s website, wupdhd.org. Those with questions concerning swim safe ty can contact the department at 906-482-7382.

—Richard Jenkins