Blue-Green Algae Found At Herrick Lake; Precautions Advised

WHEATON, IL — The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is advising caution after a blue-green algae bloom was confirmed in Herrick Lake at Herrick Lake Forest Preserve in Wheaton. The algae can make children or people with compromised immune systems sick if the algae water is ingested or inhaled, according to a post on the forest preserve district's Facebook page.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County recommends taking the following precautions:

• Do not touch the blue-green algae
• Keep pets away from the water
• If you touch the water or your pet touches the water, wash your skin or your pet's fur thoroughly as soon as you can

The forest preserve district writes that it is working with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the lake.

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County did not immediately respond to Patch's request for more information Monday afternoon.