Lake Water Quality – Sampling Programs

CWLP biologists and chemists regularly collect lake samples in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Parameters such as pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, clarity, conductivity, alkalinity, nutrients, and suspended solids are measured and recorded in a database for use in comparing trends over time. In 1999, the utility initiated an E. coli monitoring program. Taking a lead from the Illinois Department of Public Health, which uses high levels of E. coli as an indicator of potential health concerns at bathing beaches, CWLP monitors regularly for E. coli at five locations around the lake.

Monitoring has indicated that E. coli levels spike (rapidly increase) after rainfall events and then subside within a few days. Recreational users now have the opportunity to use this monitoring information to help them decide where and in which areas of the lake they choose to recreate at any given time.

To read about other lake water quality issues, select one of the links below.