Thursday, June 21, 2012

No Increased Bacteria Levels Found - All McHenry County Beaches Open

For some much needed relief from soaring temperatures, make plans to visit one of McHenry County’s beaches this weekend.  The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) conducted beach water samplings at 37 licensed beaches on Wednesday, June 20. 

No reports of increased bacteria levels were found so all beaches will be open.  Residents are reminded to obey posted water safety rules, “buddy up” when swimming and never leave children unsupervised in or near the water.

To prevent illness associated with swimming, all licensed beaches on the 13 lakes in McHenry County are tested every 2 weeks for E. coli throughout the summer to determine water quality.  Additional and more frequent sampling is done when elevated bacterial levels are found.    

Water sampling results are reported to beach authorities. MCDH will post an advisory or closed signage for beaches with elevated E. coli results.  All beach water results and locations are readily available at the MCDH webpage www.mcdh.info (click Environmental Health, quick links, “beach testing results”) or call 815-334-4585.

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