BELLAIRE — The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has downgraded a full-body beach advisory to a partial-body contact advisory at Richardi Park in Bellaire.

Per and Aug. 21 news release, the change follows a water sample taken on Wednesday that showed an E. coli level of 372.7 per 100 milliliters. State water quality standards consider levels between 301 and 1,000 per 100 milliliters to be safe for wading, paddling and fishing but not for full body contact.

The beach, located on E. Antrim Street, was scheduled for retesting Thursday, with results expected to be released Friday.

HDNW monitors E. coli levels at public beaches throughout the summer, noting that levels fluctuate based on factors such as bird activity and wave conditions. Beaches with elevated levels are resampled, and

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