Background Information
The goal of the Ingham County Health Department (ICHD), in partnership with the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), is to protect public health by reducing the spread
of disease and accidents associated with public swimming pools and public bathing beaches by
conducting annual inspections. In addition to inspections, ICHD provides educational information,
site consolations, and assists in plan review to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
For more information or any questions regarding Public Swimming Pools or Bathing Beaches please
contact the Environmental Health Department at (517) 887-4312.
Public Swimming Pools
There are approximately 180 licensed pools within Ingham County which include indoor and outdoor,
seasonal and year-round public swimming pools and spas. ICHD conducts annual inspections to verify
water quality, safety, functional emergency communication devices and mechanical equipment, and
overall compliance with DEQ’s Public Swimming Pool Code (Public Health Code, Act 368 of 1978).
Facilities take monthly water samples at each location during periods of operation and are
analyzed for coliform and E. coli bacteria at an approved EPA laboratory, which are indicators
for the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms.
For information on recreational water quality, go to the EPA website:
Recreational Water Quality Criteria
Pubic Bathing Beaches
There are four bathing beaches located within Ingham County. ICHD conducts annual inspections
and takes water samples at the time of their inspection to monitor the quality of the water.
Facilities take weekly water samples at each location during months of operation and are
analyzed for coliform and E. coli bacteria at an approved EPA laboratory, which are indicators
for the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms. Owners of bathing beaches must post a
sign that state whether or not the bathing beach has been tested, and if so, the location of
the test results. The MDEQ BeachGuard system provides real-time on water quality sampling
results, beach advisories and closures. View the results for Ingham County’s four bathing
beaches at BeachGuard.
For information on the bathing beaches located in Ingham County please visit:
Facility Resources
Payments
To make a payment and submit an updated cover sheet please go to the Permits & Licensing page.