Numerous beaches in Lake County and McHenry County are closed for swimming until further notice after health officials say high levels of bacteria were detected in the water.
The Lake County Health Department reported Friday that the Waukegan Municipal Beach, both the north and south beaches on Lake Michigan, was experiencing high levels of E. coli bacteria and is not safe for swimming.
The health department also said that North Point Marina Beach in Winthrop Harbor was also experiencing high E. coli levels and was not safe for swimming.
The Moraine Park Dog Beach in Highland Park was experiencing elevated levels of bacteria and an advisory is in effect cautioning against swimming.
Health officials say that “high” levels of E. coli are deemed to be at least 235 E. coli/100 ml.
When that occurs, management for the beach is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure.
Rain events tend to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water.
The health department’s Lakes Management Unit samples Lake Michigan beaches four days a week.
Beaches on inland lakes are tested bi-weekly. The water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals.
Certain strains of E. coli can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) reported that six beaches in McHenry County are also closed.
Those include Lake Park Beach in Crystal Lake, Dorothy Court Beach in Island Lake, Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake, Deep Springs Wood #2 in Wonder Lake, Butch Hagele Beach in Lake in the Hills and Indian Trail Beach in Lake in the Hills.
The Crystal Lake Park District reported that Crystal Lake Main Beach is closed for swimming. West Beach remains open for swimming.