High Levels Of Fecal Bacteria Close Highland Park Beach

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Some Lake County beaches are closed after water samples showed elevated bacteria levels, according to the Lake County Health Department.

The affected beaches are in Winthrop Harbor, Highland Park and Antioch.

The health department said collected water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria. The agency said E. coli bacteria is found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals, and while not all strains are the same, certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations.

If water samples come back high for E. coli, defined by the health department as 235 E. coli/100 ml, the management body for the bathing beach is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure.

Depending on the level of bacteria, swimmers are encouraged to exercise caution in the water or avoid swimming altogether, according to the health department.

Beaches closed because of high bacteria levels are Highland Park Avenue Boating Beach, North Point Marina Beach in Winthrop Harbor and Turtle Beach Marina in Antioch.

The Lake County Health Department monitors beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Water quality samples are collected four days per week from Lake Michigan beaches and two times per month from beaches on inland lakes.