These Lake Co. Beaches Are Closed Due To High Bacteria Levels

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Three Lake County swimming beaches have closed due to high bacteria levels, according to local health officials.

Swimming is not advised at three beaches on Bangs Lake in Wauconda, according to the Lake County Health Department. Meanwhile, the bacteria levels at the main beach on the lake, which is run by the Wauconda Park District, remained low and the beach remained open.

The three beaches on Bangs Lake where bacteria levels have measured high are:

• Maimans Lakeside Manor Beach, which is located on the far northeast side of the lake
• A beach run by the Lake Villa Association, Inc., which is also located on the northeast side of the lake
• A beach run by the Elmcrest Improvement Association, which is located on the northwest portion of the lake

The Lake County Health Department monitors lake water for E.coli bacteria in more than 100 Lake Michigan and inland lake beaches to ensure that the water is acceptable for swimming. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, beach closure information can be found through an interactive map on the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring and Advisories web page, which is updated daily by 10 a.m.

When bacteria levels are high, the Health Department notifies the beach’s manager, and signs are posted indicating a swim ban is in place. Water samples are taken daily until the bacteria levels fall below the standard.

“Recreational water illnesses can not only hamper your summer plans, but they can also get others sick,” said Alana Bartolai, Ecological Services Program Coordinator. “We monitor the water quality to ensure that individuals and families can enjoy the many beautiful lakes and beaches in Lake County to their fullest.”