Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Advisory Lifted Against Contact With The Flint River

Release Date: March 12, 2004

Based on the most recent E. coli bacteria sample data, the Genesee County Health Department is lifting the advisory for people to avoid contact with the water of the Flint River. River samples collected on March 11, 2004 from 3 locations within Flushing City limits indicate compliance with Michigan guidelines for partial body contact. Partial body contact is defined as any activities normally involving direct contact of some part of the body with water; including fishing, wading, and dry boating.

As always, the Genesee County Health Department advises everyone to use good hygienic practices - such as safe food handling, storage, and preparation; as well as thorough hand washing (with warm, soapy, potable water) prior to any hand-to-mouth contact such as eating, drinking or smoking. If convenient hand washing facilities are not readily available, it may be possible to substitute with disposable antiseptic towels.

The Genesee County Health Department will continue to monitor bacteria levels in the Flint River in the coming weeks to assure bacteria levels remain within State guidelines.