Heavy Rains Affect Use Of Beaches

Due to elevated bacteria levels from recent heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health reports several beaches are either closed or placed on advisory. 

 Closed beaches include:

• Wooded Shores, 3221 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Shore Hills Beach, 3450 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 1, 3701 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Deep Spring Woods 2, 3925-3927 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Center, 4100 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 1 South, 4601 NE Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Indian Ridge 2 North, 4519-4603 NW Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 1, 5622 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 2, 5606 Woodlane, Wonder Lake
• Wonder Woods 45200 Wonder Woods Drive, Wonder Lake
• Sunrise Ridge, 3800 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Highland Shores, 3500 W Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Lookout Point, 5206 E Lake Shore Drive, Wonder Lake
• Hilltop Beach Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• Indian Trails Beach, Woods Creek Lake, Lake in the Hills
• WillOaks Campground Beach, 14304 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock

 Beaches on advisory are:

• Veterans Park, 332 W State Road, Island Lake
• Lake Park Beach, 300 Lake Shore Drive, Crystal Lake
• LeVilla Vaupell 1, 1115 N Northeast Shore Drive, Griswold Lake

Beaches will be re-sampled with results posted on the MCDH webpage.  Residents are encouraged to check with beach operators and the MCDH webpage for the latest information. The potential for high bacteria (E coli) counts increases with periods of high precipitation.  (MCDH) recommends refraining from swimming at least 2-3 days after a heavy rainfall event due to the potential increase risk of swimming associated illness (gastrointestinal illness and ear nose and throat infections). 

For more information, contact MCDH’s Environmental Health Division at 815-334-4585.