No Contact Health Advisory Lifted

Tuesday July 18, 2023

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency (BHSJ CHA) is lifting the No Contact Health Advisory.

Residents can again utilize the St. Joseph River for recreational activities. Water samples collected by personnel from the Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant on July 14th and July 17th with results reported to BHSJ CHA on July 15th and July 18th show that the water in the St. Joseph River now contains levels of fecal coliform generally expected to be present.  
Coliform is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in all bodies of surface water all the time.  You can prevent illness from exposure to coliform by bathing and washing all clothing that touched the water, when you complete your activities for the day. Avoid ingesting the water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams to prevent stomach illnesses. Younger children and seniors are at greatest risk for illness. If you develop symptoms of upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, contact your health care provider or local urgent care.