Water reclamation district steps up efforts to rid Palatine's Peregrine Lake of algae

Palatine residents and nearby workers have long enjoyed both the walking path along Peregrine Lake and its adjacent park, but the water in recent years has been plagued by unusually thick algae.

Now, through numerous complaints and the persistence of a few neighbors, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is taking action.

The water agency began seasonal water quality and habitat testing earlier this month, the first step in trying to alleviate the eyesore and ensure the lake, located near Euclid Avenue and Roselle Road, is healthy.

"There's no silver-bullet fix, but I'm just so pleased MWRD took our complaints seriously," said Bill Agnello, whose Falcon Drive home backs up to the lake.

Residents became especially nervous about the algae ever since a major fish kill occurred in 2009. Fish kills aren't abnormal, but MWRD officials said the excess algae, combined with short winter days, likely contributed by lowering dissolved oxygen levels.

Agnello said he first approached the Palatine Park District about the issue but didn't get a satisfactory response because it owns only a sliver of the property. He didn't have much luck with MWRD's former acting director, either.

When David St. Pierre was named executive director last June, however, Agnello said MWRD quickly accepted responsibility and invited him to a meeting to discuss the problem and possible solutions.

"It's understandable to be concerned about the algae in Peregrine Lake, and we want to ensure that all waterways remain healthy," St. Pierre said in a statement. "We are conducting analyses throughout the year to monitor the lake and to educate residents how they can help to keep the water clean."

Staff aquatic biologists will measure temperature, dissolved oxygen and the water's clarity. They're exploring the possibility of using skimming machines, algicides and water aeration to reduce algae.

"Four years ago the lake was completely pristine, and last year algae covered two-thirds of it," Agnello said. "A lot of people are worried about home values sinking more than they already have, but we're just happy they're starting to experiment."

Algae: Lake was 'pristine' four years ago