MATTOON, IL (Chambana Today) – Just days after reopening to the public, Lake Mattoon has been closed again due to ongoing concerns about a harmful algal bloom.
City officials announced Thursday that the beach at Lake Mattoon is closed until further notice after new tests showed continued signs of the toxic algae in the water. Swimmers and lake-goers are being asked to avoid contact with the water out of an abundance of caution.
The lake had previously been closed for three weeks after an algal bloom contaminated the city’s water supply, prompting a “do not drink” order in early July. Even after that order was lifted on July 18, the lake remained closed while the city waited for conditions to improve so treatment could begin.
Low oxygen levels in the lake delayed those plans. The beach was finally reopened on July 29, but the celebration was short-lived.
City officials say additional water samples are being collected and tested. In the meantime, the beach will remain off-limits. While swimming is prohibited, the city confirmed there are no current issues with the drinking water. The most recent water test showed toxin levels at 0.000 parts per billion.
An outside organization has been contracted to treat the lake, but treatment cannot begin until oxygen levels in the water return to a safe range.
Residents are encouraged to follow updates from the city and stay out of the water until further notice.
