LITH Beaches Cleared Of Blue-Green Algae, Reopen

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — After a week closure due to blue-green algae, village officials reopened both of its beaches on Woods Creek Lake on Friday, assistant village administrator Trevor Bosack told Patch Friday.

On Aug. 18, village officials closed both Butch Hagele Beach and Indian Trail Beach after public works employees spotted a possible blue-green algae bloom near the spillway in Woods Creek Lake on the lake's south side. Visible algae was also spotted within the swimming area at Indian Trail Beach, according to village official.s

On Friday, the beaches reopened, Bosack said.

While most blue-green algal blooms are not harmful, some blooms produce hazardous toxins, according to a news release. Blue-green algae can be mildly toxic to humans when blooming, and contact may result in a rash, mild nausea or allergic reactions.

Blooming blue-green algae can also be toxic to animals, so practice caution and prevent pets from drinking from and entering Woods Creek Lake.

The beaches in Lake in the Hills are open through Labor Day for Lake in the Hills residents and their guests. More information on the beach and its hours of operation can be found on the village's website.