Algae the Culprit for Lake Forest's Water Shortage

During a summer that is decidedly lacking in summertime weather, it seems surprising that Lake Forest would have to instill a (recently lifted) sprinkling ban due to a shortage of water.

There's not much heat and certainly no drought, so what's the problem? Algae.

Algae blooms called spirogyra, to be more specific. Spirogyra is a large genus of freshwater green algae and is known to clog filters in water plants, according to Highland Park Deputy City Manager Ghida Neukirch.

And though the algae hasn't affected Highland Park, it has devastated Lake Forest's water supply.

"When they get drawn in they really restrict your flow," said Dan Martin, Lake Forest's Superintendent of Public Works.

Typically, during the summer months, the city ramps up the amount of water it brings in, which increases the chances of algae blooms interfering with supply.

"Last year, we had extreme heat and drought," Martin said. "Now we have had rain but this is a whole other issue."

Though Lake Forest's sprinkling ban has ended, the city is still on guard against more algae and is encouraging residents to be more mindful of when they use their sprinkler systems.

"we have to think more conservation-wise," Martin said. "We need to get people to understand that a lot of times we're setting our systems not to be as conservative as they could be."

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