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Chicago Beach Testing and Efforts to Reduce Swimming Bans

Project Description

Chicago's shoreline stretches along 28 miles of lakefront and features 32 public beaches. The shoreline is a vital social and economic resource. Water testing at beaches is conducted on a daily basis during swimming season. Swimming bans are issued when E. coli counts are found to be higher than the regulatory limit. The current method for determining bacteria levels takes 24-hours. A faster method of detection should be developed in order to better protect human health. Chicago is currently piloting two projects that will increase the speed accuracy with which bacteria levels are determined and beach closing issued. The first is a predictive/forecast model. The second is utilizing "rapid-testing" lab equipment.

Project Background

In 1999, widespread swimming bans occurred at Chicago's beaches. Partnerships were formed between the Chicago Department of Environment ("CDOE"), Chicago Park District ("CPD") and U.S. Geological Survey in an effort to determine the sources of high bacteria levels. Study findings determined that bacteria levels increase with high rains, strong winds, strong waves, low sunlight and animal (primarily bird) waste. The study also found that beach geometry has a direct effect on bacteria levels. As a result of these findings, the frequency of beach cleaning has been increased, a program of pre-season infrastructure inspection has been initiated and modifications have been made to pier walls.

In 2003, CDOE and CPD piloted two projects:

1. A predictive forecast model is being created with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health. This model is a function of weather and water conditions. It will serve to give advance notice of changes in bacteria populations.

2. A rapid-testing system is being designed that will provide faster determination of bacteria levels. A SmartCycler Device is being tested which will produce test results in 4-6 hours, a vast improvement over the 18-24 hour turnaround time that is required by the current method.

Project Results

Based on the success of the aforementioned projects, DOE will discuss with USEPA the possibility of having one or both techniques accepted on regulatory basis. Chicago will continue to maintain one of the most aggressive sampling programs in the nation and will strive to protect public health by improving water quality at our beaches.

Project Contact

Naren Prasad, P.E.
Coordinator of Research & Evaluation
Chicago Department of Environment
30 N. LaSalle St., Suite 2500
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 744-5711 phone
(312) 744-6451 fax
nprasad@cityofchicago.org

Document prepared October 9, 2003