Fecal Bacteria Levels Close These Chicago-Area Beaches

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

For residents planning a beach trip, the latest advisory or closure status may affect whether swimming is recommended. The affected beaches are in Wauconda, Hawthorn Woods, Forest Lake, Highland Park and Zion.

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. The health department also said rain events tend to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water column and advised people to avoid swimming after a large rain event.

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 in Lake County with elevated bacteria levels and caution swimming advisories are Maiman's Lakeside Manor Beach in Wauconda, Glenshire Beach in Hawthorn Woods and Central Beach in Forest Lake.

Beaches closed because of high bacteria levels are Rosewood Beach in Highland Park, Erker Park Beach in Forest Lake and Illinois Beach State Park Resort Beach in Zion.

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.

The health department's notice points to testing and rain-related conditions as key factors in beach water quality during the summer monitoring season.

"Since rain events tend to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water column, we advise that people avoid swimming after a large rain event," the health department said.