Lake Michigan in Chicago is generally considered clean, but there are occasional issues with water quality that visitors should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of the water quality in Lake Michigan near Chicago, the efforts to maintain cleanliness, and what you should know before taking a dip.
Water Quality Testing and Monitoring
The Chicago Park District conducts daily water quality testing at 28 beaches along the Lake Michigan shoreline. They use a high-tech DNA-based testing method that provides same-day results, which are publicly available on the Chicago Park District website. This allows beachgoers to check the water quality before heading out.
| Beach | Water Quality Status |
|---|---|
| 63rd Street Beach | Under Swim Advisory |
| Foster Beach | Under Swim Advisory |
| Margaret T. Burroughs Beach | Under Swim Advisory |
| Marion Mahony Griffin Beach | Under Swim Advisory |
As the table above shows, while the majority of Chicago’s beaches have clean water, there are occasional instances where swim advisories are issued due to water quality concerns.
Sources of Contamination
The main sources of water quality issues in Lake Michigan near Chicago include:
- Urban Runoff: Stormwater runoff from the city can carry pollutants, such as bacteria, chemicals, and debris, into the lake.
- Sewage Overflows: Combined sewer systems in older parts of the city can sometimes overflow during heavy rain events, leading to the release of untreated sewage into the lake.
- Factory Farms: Runoff from factory farms and other agricultural operations can also contribute to fecal contamination in the lake.
- Seagulls: The large gull population in the area can contribute to E. coli problems, leading to beach closures when levels get too high.
Improvement Efforts
The Chicago Park District has taken several steps to improve water quality and maintain clean beaches:
- Physical Improvements: The Park District has made physical improvements to beaches, such as installing permeable pavement and bioswales, to help curb stormwater flow into the lake.
- Public Education: The Park District has conducted public education campaigns to encourage beachgoers to reduce their impact on the lake, such as by properly disposing of trash and avoiding feeding the gulls.
- Collaboration: The Park District works closely with other agencies, such as the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, to address water quality issues and coordinate efforts to keep the lake clean.
Checking for Swim Advisories
Before heading to the beach, it’s important to check for any swim advisories or closures. You can find this information on the Chicago Park District website, which provides real-time updates on water quality and beach conditions.
Conclusion
While Lake Michigan in Chicago is generally considered clean, there are occasional water quality issues that visitors should be aware of. By understanding the sources of contamination, the efforts to maintain cleanliness, and the importance of checking for swim advisories, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience at Chicago’s beaches.
References:
– Chicago Park District. (n.d.). Beaches. Retrieved from https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/beaches
– ABC7 Chicago. (2018, May 24). Chicago beaches open Friday, but is Lake Michigan clean enough to swim in? Retrieved from https://abc7chicago.com/chicago-beach-beaches-when-does-open-lake-michigan/3517747/
– Environment America. (2023, August 1). Chicago’s Montrose Beach is under swim advisory August 1st due to water quality. Retrieved from https://environmentamerica.org/illinois/center/updates/chicagos-montrose-beach-is-under-swim-advisory-august-1st-due-to-water-quality/
– Environment America. (n.d.). Check Chicago’s beach advisories before you swim. Retrieved from https://environmentamerica.org/illinois/center/articles/check-chicagos-beach-advisories-before-you-swim/
– TripAdvisor. (n.d.). Beaches – do people really swim in Lake Michigan? – Chicago Forum. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g35805-i32-k683998-o10-Beaches_do_people_really_swim_in_Lake_Michigan-Chicago_Illinois.html