Environmental

Reeds Lake Monitoring

The city conducts water sampling and analysis of the water quality of Reeds Lake each year. The samples are taken both in the winter and summer seasons at various locations and depths of the lake. The results are reviewed by an Environmental Scientist to evaluate the lake conditions.

For up-to-date water temperature for Reeds Lake, click here and see temperature listed next to "2nd Temp."

Foam on Lakes-A Naturally Occurring Phenomenon-EGLE

Reeds Lake Treatment

The city continually monitors and treats Reeds Lake to control algae and the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil, curly pondweed, purple loosestrife, and European frog-bit.

2023 European frog-bit update:  Efforts towards eradicating European frog-bit (EFB) in Reeds and Fisk Lakes have been underway since 2016 and will continue in 2023. This is a joint response effort between the City of East Grand Rapids, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Water Resources Division, PLM Lake and Land Management, and the West MI Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA). To date, response efforts have been able to remove all EFB from Fisk Lake and have seen minimal regrowth within the channel between Reeds and Fisk Lakes which were heavily infested previously. In 2023, response efforts will be similar to 2022 and include using a combination of hand removals and herbicide treatments focused on the remaining patches of EFB within Reeds Lake. These target areas include portions of the lake front around Waterfront/Gilmore Park and John H Bonnell Park. Both regions have dense wetland vegetation and are acting as nursery habitat for EFB plants. Crews will be frequently monitoring and conducting treatments of EFB throughout the growing season (May-October). You may observe staff wading, kayaking, or boating around the shoreline and wetland areas.  If you would like more information, please contact Bill Keiper, EGLE keiperw@michigan.gov.


Flood Plain Map

Flood Plain maps are available from the Federal Emergency Management Association's website, or can be viewed the in the Public Works Department office 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.


Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW)

The City of East Grand Rapids is a partner with LGROW.  Educational and best practice information is available at www.lgrow.org


Information about LGROW's regional lakes and stream data repository can be found here.


Additional Resources:

LGROW Landscaping Brochure

How to Report Water Pollution


More Information

Detailed information concerning these programs is available by contacting the Public Works Department.


Recycling and Hazardous Waste Disposal 

For information on recycling and hazardous waste disposal in Kent County, please visit: www.recyclekent.org 

State Laws and Regulations on Reeds Lake

For information on your public rights on Michigan Waters, click here.

To view "The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities", click here.

To view the State of Michigan approved special inland lake regulations by county in Michigan, click here.