Community Corner
No Swimming At Evanston Beaches Due To North Shore Channel Bacteria
Elevated levels of E. coli bacteria triggered a closure of Evanston swimming areas for at least 24 hours.
EVANSTON, IL — The water at Evanston beaches is closed for swimming or wading Monday following heavy rainstorms the prior day.
The beaches remain open to the public, but the water will be closed until the Illinois Department of Public Health deems it safe.
More than 3.6 inches of rain were recorded between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. by a rain gauge at Oakton College in Skokie, according to rainfall data from the U.S. Geological Survey.
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In response, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District opened the Wilmette locks on the North Shore Channel Sunday afternoon, sending water from sewer systems into the lake, local officials said.
That has led to unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria in the water, which triggers an immediate 24-hour closing of all swimming areas in the city of Evanston.
Find out what's happening in Evanstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Beaches in Wilmette and Winnetka were also closed for swimming Monday.
Around noon, city staff announced Clark Street beach as closed to any further admission for the rest of the day.
Staff said further beach updates would be provided Tuesday morning.
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