Online beach advisory in Lake County
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Lake County beachgoers can access daily information on Lake Michigan beach advisories and swim bans through the Lake County Health Department by visiting lakecountyil.gov/health.
“A beach may close temporarily due to high bacteria counts,” said Irene Pierce, executive director.
“High bacteria counts can be caused by stormwater runoff, sewage overflow, nearby septic failure and large quantities of droppings from geese or seagulls,” Pierce said. “While beach closings in Lake County are a relatively infrequent occurrence, it is still best to check before you head to your favorite beach.”
The health department’s Environmental Services samples 12 beaches along Lake Michigan four days per week. The web page is updated daily by 10 a.m. These beaches include:
ŸNorth Point Marina Beach, Winthrop Harbor
ŸIllinois Beach State Park North Beach, Zion
ŸIllinois Beach State Park South Beach, Zion
ŸIllinois Beach State Park Resort Beach, Zion
ŸWaukegan North Beach, Waukegan
ŸWaukegan South Beach, Waukegan
ŸLake Bluff Dog Beach, Lake Bluff
ŸLake Bluff Sunrise Beach, Lake Bluff
ŸForest Park Beach, Lake Forest
ŸMoraine Dog Beach, Highland Park
ŸPark Avenue Beach, Highland Park
ŸRosewood Beach, Highland Park
The health department tests the water samples for E. coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals.
While not all strains of E. coli are the same, certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations. E. coli also serves as an indicator that other potentially harmful pathogens may be present.
If water samples come back high for E. coli (235 E. coli/100 mL), the beach’s manager is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure.
Also, because heavy rain tends to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water, the health department advises persons avoid swimming for 48 hours after a large rain event.
Swimming-related illnesses are typically minor. The most common illness is gastroenteritis, which causes flu-like symptoms that typically develop one to two days after exposure. Other minor illnesses include ear, eye, nose and throat infections. Skin parasites such as ringworm and schistosomiasis (swimmers itch) can be transmitted in areas of water degradation.
The health department’s Lakes Management Unit also monitors licensed beaches on inland lakes and the Chain O’ Lakes. For information on beach monitoring, call (847) 377-8030.