Lake Algae Forces Water Restrictions

Higher than ordinary levels of algae in Lake Michigan have cut the ability of the City of Lake Forest to produce the municipality’s water supply in half, according to information provided by the City.

“This does not affect water quality, only the quantity,” a spokesperson for the Public Works Department said. “It clogs our intake prefilters,” he added explaining why less water is flowing into the plant.

Lake Forest residents cannot water their lawns and gardens between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on any day, according to news release from the City. Watering may take place at all other hours for people with even street addresses on even days of the month and on odd days of the month for those with odd street numbers.

City officials cannot put a time frame on when the restrictions can be lifted. “We can’t predict when there will be less algae in the lake,” the spokesperson said. The curbs will remain in place through Sept. 15, according to the release.

“These rules have been enacted because water used on lawns during most daytime hours is quickly evaporated, and the City’s water plant needs daytime hours to replenish water reserves in both its booster station and water tower,” the City said in the release.

In Lake Bluff, watering is prohibited from noon to 5 p.m. daily but no other restrictions are in place, according to a spokesperson for the Village.

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