Baseline Water Quality Sampling
Beach Monitoring
Technical Assistance
Educational Services
Inspection of Recreational Facilities
Baseline Water Quality Sampling
The LMU collects baseline water quality information from 32 different lakes in the county each year. These lakes must be at least six acres in size. Water quality information is obtained through the collection of water samples once per month from May through September, usually at the deepest areas of the lakes.
This water is analyzed for nutrients, solids, temperature, dissolved oxygen and various other parameters. A plant survey to analyze the aquatic plant community for different species and their relative occurrence is also conducted once per month from May through September. Additionally, once per summer the shoreline of each lake is characterized for shoreline type, severity of erosion and shoreline plant species (including invasives).
Summary reports are written and presented to the management entity of the lake and other concerned citizens during the following spring. These reports include the analysis of data collected, a list of threats occurring in or around the lake, and recommendations on how to reduce or eliminate these problems. Lake summary reports can be found under Detailed Lake Reports.
Beach Monitoring
From May to September, bacteria concentrations are monitored bimonthly at inland beaches and recreational areas. Lake Michigan beaches are sampled 7 days a week during these months. The water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals. However, not all strains of E. coli are the same, and certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations.
If water samples come back high for E. coli (235 E. coli/100 ml), the management body for the bathing beach is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure. Additionally, since rain events tend to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water column, the LMU advises that persons avoid swimming for 48 hours after a large rain event.
Technical Assistance
Upon receiving a request for service, LMU staff investigates possible pollution sources, fish kills and other lake or pond related inquires throughout the county. Although the Lakes Management Unit is not an enforcement agency, we can direct non-jurisdictional issues to appropriate agencies for enforcement, if necessary.
Educational Services
For those teachers interested in exposing their students to all of the ways that our daily activities affect the water in our county, the LMU provides:
It Starts on the Land, a three dimensional watershed exhibit illustrating good and/or poor land use activities and their effect on lakes and streams. The model may be signed out at no charge throughout the school year by calling 847.377.8030 at least a week in advance.
Cattail Chronicles is a newsletter distributed by the LMU on a biannual basis. Its target audience is the layperson interested in lake issues. The newsletter provides information about organisms found in and around lakes, up-to-date ecological issues affecting our lakes and streams, local and regional lake issues and technical information important to lake managers. If you are not on our mailing list and would like to receive the newsletter, call 847.377.8030. The newsletter can also be downloaded from the Summary Links menu on this web page.
Inspection of Recreational Facilities
The LMU, along with other Environmental Engineering staff, conduct routine inspections and complaint investigations of various facilities in the county. These include:
81 Indoor and 184Outdoor Swimming Pools
64 Licensed Beaches
68 Tanning Salons
The inspection of swimming pools includes analysis of water quality, chlorine levels, operation of the filtration system and safety parameters in and around the pool area. Inspection of the bathing beaches differs from the beach monitoring program described above in that it involves the analysis of safety equipment and regulations in and around the beach. Tanning salons are inspected to ensure sanitary and safe conditions.
