Chain O’Lakes Beaches Open; Swimmers Should Use Caution

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LCHD 2017




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

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LCHD logo 2017

Lake County Health Department
3010 Grand Avenue
Waukegan, Illinois 60085
(847) 377-8000