CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Two beaches in Central Illinois were recently shut down temporarily due to “elevated bacteria levels,” as reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Lake Mattoon closed its doors to visitors around 11 a.m. on June 25. A Facebook announcement from Lake Mattoon, Marina and Campgrounds revealed that routine biweekly water tests detected an unusually high level of E.coli.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, measurements from deep water at Lake Mattoon showed 344.8 cfu/100ml of E.coli, while shallower parts registered 325.5 cfu/100ml.
Similarly, Lake Taylorville has been temporarily closed. The IDPH noted that this shutdown started around 8:45 a.m. on June 23, with deep water samples indicating a bacteria concentration of 387.3 cfu/100ml and shallower areas showing 365.4 cfu/100ml.
IDPH said before reopening, the water needs to be resampled and the samples from both the shallow and deep areas must be below 235 cfu of E. coli/100 ml.
A spokeperson for IDPH said elevated bacteria levels in waterways are not unusual after heavy rains.
IDPH sends testing kits out to beaches every two weeks during swimming season. Any tests showing E. Coli levels above allowable limits will require retesting. A beach will have to produce two samples in the same day below that limit before the advisory/closure will be lifted.
IDPH spokesperson