Friends of Lake Antioch

Algae

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Given the conditions of Lake Antioch (shallow lake bottom, moderate water quality (high in nutrients), good water clarity, poor aquatic plant diversity), algae thrives in our lake whenever we get warm sunny periods with little wind.  FOLA has budgeted 2 treatments for Algae.  We try to do this prior to the big 2 holiday weekends July 4 and Labor Day.  However, no chemical treatment will work for longer than a few days. 

 

Residents are welcome to manually remove the algae (raking, skimming, dispersal, etc.) around their area of the lake. It is a labor-intensive process, but it makes great fertilizer for your plants and trees!

 

There are different types of naturally occurring algae.  The IL EPA has shared a presentation on Harmful Algae Blooms with us, which shows examples of different types of HABs.  

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To read more about toxic and non-toxic algae, we encourage you to visit the Illinois EPA site.  If you ever have any questions about algae, then please contact your HOA representative and we will take pictures and send them to the EPA for review.

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Suspected HAB?​

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If you suspect that is a HAB is present in our lake, then take pictures and do any of the following:

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• Email epa.hab@illinois.gov   

• Call Lake County Lakes Management Unit, 847-377-8020  (they will come out to test the site)

• Contact your HOA representative (we will contact Lake County on your behalf)

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HAB Safety

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In the event of positive testing, we recommend following these safety guidelines...

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1. Extreme caution should be taken in case of exposure to a possible HAB. 

2. People should avoid direct skin contact with the water, inhaling droplets of the water, and ingesting any water. 

3. Do not water gardens with affected water.

4. When working near or investigating HABs, proper safety equipment is recommended. Safety equipment includes; gloves, carpenter’s mask, waders, goggles, and a personal flotation device. 

5. If you come into contact with a HAB, wash your skin and any equipment with soap and tap water immediately after exposure. 

6. Do not allow pets or children to come into contact with the water. Water surrounding the scum that looks clear, may also be contaminated with toxins.