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1. Why does my lake look like someone poured green paint into it?

The green color of many lakes in Lake County is the result of Planktonic Algae, a type of microscopic algae that floats in the warm, upper layer of the water column where it can receive adequate light. This surface “scum” can also be brown or red in color. Find out more about Planktonic Algae.

2. If I’m seeing a lot of foam washing up along my shoreline, is it possible that someone is dumping detergent into the lake via wash water?

It is possible, but not likely. The more likely explanation is that you are seeing what is called “lake foam.” The bubbles are actually organic material in the water column that has been agitated by wave action into a foam-like substance. It is neither toxic, nor unnatural, and is seen on virtually every relatively large lake in the county that experiences wind or boat-driven wave action.

3. What does it really mean when a beach is closed? Why can’t I still swim?

The Lakes Management Unit tests all nine Lake County Lake Michigan beaches four days per week and all inland licensed beaches twice per month from May through September. The water at these beaches is tested for the bacteria, E. coli, which is found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals (i.e., birds, dogs). Find out more about why it's necessary for a beach to close.

4. Why is it undesirable to remove all of the plants from my lake?

Aquatic plants are a natural part of every lake ecosystem and serve many purposes in a lake. Learn about aquatic plant functions.

5. Is it legal to put aquatic herbicides in my lake?

Yes, it is legal in the State of Illinois to apply registered, non-restricted use aquatic herbicides. However, you must own the portion of the lake bottom you are going to treat. If you do not know if you own the bottom, you must find out before you conduct any treatments.

Additionally, you must also ensure that the herbicides you apply to your portion of the lake bottom do not affect neighboring portions. This can be very difficult in aquatic situations due to herbicide drift (movement from one area to another). For these reasons, whole lake treatments can be difficult unless the permission of all bottom owners is obtained. In these situations, spot treatment of individual parcels might be a better choice.

Although it is legal for private homeowners to treat their own property, it may be best to hire an aquatic herbicide applicator to ensure the job is done correctly. They are professionals with the experience to know when, where and what herbicides are best suited for your lake and specific situation.

6. Are aquatic herbicides safe to put in my lake?

Yes, if used properly. Like all aquatic plant management techniques, aquatic herbicides have both positive and negative characteristics. If used properly, they can all be beneficial to a lake’s well being. If misused or abused, they all share similar outcomes - negative impacts to the lake.

Aquatic herbicides are the most common method to control nuisance vegetation/algae. When used properly, they can provide selective and reliable control. Products cannot be licensed for use in aquatic situations unless there is less than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of any negative effects on human health, wildlife and the environment. Aquatic herbicides are not allowed to be environmentally persistent, bioaccumulate or have any bioavailability. Prior to herbicide application, licensed applicators should evaluate the lake’s vegetation, choose the appropriate herbicide and treatment areas and apply the herbicides during appropriate conditions (i.e., low wind speed and temperature and high dissolved oxygen concentration).

7. My shoreline is eroding. Should I install a seawall?

Erosion is a potentially serious problem to lake shorelines and occurs as a result of wind, wave or ice action, or from overland rainwater runoff. While some erosion to shorelines is natural, human alteration of the environment can accelerate and exacerbate the problem. Erosion not only results in loss of shoreline, but negatively influences the lake’s overall water quality by contributing nutrients, sediment and pollutants into the water.

Seawalls are generally only recommended along very steep shorelines or those repeatedly battered by wave action and only when no other options are feasible. Seawalls provide neither positive aesthetics nor fish and wildlife habitat. Additionally, they generally reflect waves away from the shoreline and back into the lake. While this prevents shoreline erosion, it can actually create turbid conditions in the shallow water along the shoreline as the reflected waves re-suspend sediment into the water column. A more environmentally friendly alternative to a seawall is a buffer strip, which will hold soil along the shoreline effectively and may help filter upland nutrients and pollutants.

8. Should I have an aerator installed in my lake?

There are specific conditions under which installing an aeration system will alleviate problems in a lake. However, there are many misconceptions about what an aerator actually does and does not do, and when it may be beneficial to install a system into a lake.

9. What can be done about all the geese that live on my lake and are ruining my beach and lawn with their feces?

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are migratory waterfowl common throughout North America. Geese in urban areas can be undesirable primarily due to the large amount of feces they leave behind. One study (Manny et al. 1975) documented that each goose excretes 0.072 lbs. of feces per day. This may not seem like a significant amount, but if 100 geese are present, that equates to over 7 lbs of feces per day! Access potential solutions for geese on your beach or lawn.

10. I'm worried about sediment entering my lake from a nearby construction site. What can I do?

Development in Lake County has grown and expanded over the past couple decades and with that growth comes a large amount of new residential and commercial construction. Find out what to look for and who to call by accessing the Construction Site Sediment Issue resource.