 |
|
For Immediate Release
Date: August 2, 2017
Contact: Hannah Goering
(847) 377-8099
|
Chain O’Lakes Beaches Open; Swimmers Should Use Caution
Waukegan, Ill. – Since flooding in mid-July, the Fox Chain O’Lakes has been
closed to boating and recreational swimming was not advised. As waters receded,
the Lake County Health Department tested the 15 licensed swimming beaches
around the Chain for the presence of E.
coli bacteria. All test results indicated that E. coli levels were below the unsafe range.
While conditions have improved, the health department is
still urging residents to be cautious about swimming in recently flooded lakes,
as floating or sunken debris may be hazardous. In addition, the beach sampling
is not necessarily representative of the entire lake system. Other sources of
pollution may still be present, such as failing septic systems. Residents can
test their own lake water by picking up a bottle from the Health Department Lab
at 500 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville. The cost is $18/sample.
If you have questions or suspect a possible pollution
source, please contact the Health Department at 847-377-8020.
The Lake County Health Department monitors over 100 swimming
beaches in Lake County during the summer. Swim bans or advisories are posted
daily on the health department’s website: https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2385/Beach-Advisory.
# # #
| 
