Lake Taylorville’s beach is temporarily closed, and swimming in the lake in general is currently restricted due to a bacteriological sample showing an elevated amount of E. Coli present in the lake water.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the lake was closed around 8:45 AM on June 23rd. Deep-water samples had a bacterial count of 387.3 cfu per 100ml of water, while shallow-water samples showed a bacterial count of 365.4 cfu per 100ml. According to the IDPH, elevated bacteria levels in waterways are not unusual after heavy rains.

The IDPH says the beach must show E. coli levels that test below the allowable limit twice on the same day for the beach to reopen for swimming. The IDPH also states that, to be deemed safe to swim in and to reopen the beach, the E. coli level must be at or below 235 cfu per 100 mL in both the shallow and deep water tests.

Keep following along with taylorvilledailynews.com to find out when the lake reopens for swimming.

For information on area lake closures, CLICK HERE to be directed to the IDPH Beach Guard website.