Safe for Swimming?

Before July 4th weekend, almost all Chicago area beaches were closed after a big storm, when the Chicago Park District opened the locks that separate Lake Michigan from the Chicago River, dumping storm runoff and raw sewage into the lake. (yuck!)

Water quality tests after the locks were opened showed high bacteria levels that made it unsafe for people to be in the water. Just one day later, the ban was lifted at all beaches but two, and swimmers were allowed back in the water.

It makes you stop and think before you get in the water, even after the ‘all clear’ is given.

Area beachgoers can get updates on the Chicago Beaches site, which uses Red, Yellow and Green icons to note if the beach is closed, ‘open but use caution’ or ‘good to go’. This same color system is used at the beaches with flags on the lifeguard stands that let park-goers know if it’s safe to get in the water (no sharks in Chicago to worry about, at least).

When big storms hit, stormwater runoff surges into local waterways, making them temporarily un-swimmable and inhospitable for humans. With this summer already Chicago’s third wettest in 143 years, high rainfall has put a damper on some summer fun, for sure.

But new technology is helping beach managers keep the public swimming safely. Chicago now uses real-time water quality data at ALL area swimming beaches on Lake Michigan with a system that uses predictive modeling that is tied to weather data and forecasts to predict bacteria levels, as described in this Chicago Park District video.

Data is gathered via buoys in the water and weather stations on light poles along the beaches to evaluate the amount of rain and cloudiness of the water to predict bacteria levels in real-time. Otherwise, it takes 18 hours to get actual water quality tests back, so the tests are always a day behind. This real-time tool helps park officials stay ahead of and manage beach closings.

Lifeguards can also update the park district’s site from the beach to show swim restrictions due to rough surf or water quality issues using data from the nearby monitoring system. Beachgoers can check the park district site for details about their favorite or nearest beach before they leave home on the Beach List so they don’t have to wait ‘till they hit the sand to see if the red flag is flying, which means ‘No Swimming’ allowed.

Earlier this year, a local NBC station investigated beach monitoring and closing data from Illinois, Indiana and Michigan (which share the shores of Lake Michigan) and found a significant number of high bacteria levels recorded when beaches were allowed to remain open for swimming.

The NBC investigation, Bacteria Alerts Delayed For Some Chicago-Area Beaches, found 218 cases when unsafe levels of E. coli were found at area beaches – and in 104 of those cases, people were allowed to swim for a full day or more before a ban or advisory was issued.

The U.S. EPA regulates waters designated as coastal recreational areas in the appropriately named BEACH Act, passed in 2002, which uses E. coli as the indicator organism to test if fresh water is safe for swimming, bathing, surfing or similar activities. Stormwater, sewage and animal waste are typical sources for E. coli contamination that can cause swimmers to become ill.

EPA and state health departments require swim advisories be issued when bacteria levels reach 235 cfu/100 ml or above. Swim bans are required for levels 1000 cfu/100 ml or above. Higher levels of bacteria are known to cause Recreational Water Illnesses.

Recreational water illnesses can occur when germs come in contact with skin, are breathed in or swallowed and can happen in swimming pools and hot tubs as well as lakes and beaches. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these illnesses can show up as infections of ears, eyes, nose, throat (respiratory) or skin, with diarrhea being the most commonly reported problem.

Chicago Park District officials said the 18-hour delay waiting for test results is a challenge for staying on top of actual bacteria levels (a valid issue). Beach closings typically occur after test results are in, so, in effect after a one-day delay. But the new technology is helping the Chicago Park District (and other cities and states as well) and, in recent years, there have been fewer swim bans and advisories.

Lake Michigan beaches are tested every day for bacteria levels during the swimming season, which is officially Memorial Day through Labor Day. Other inland lakes are required to be tested twice a month. The predictive modeling system now used throughout Chicago costs the city about $20,000 per year (per the NBC analysis) to operate and maintain.

Outside of Chicago, beach closure information is generally reported by a government agency or state health department. For example, In New York City, NYC.gov; in Los Angeles, LA County Department of Public Health;  in Minneapolis, Hennepin County Public Health; and in Ohio,  Ohio.gov has a a Beach Guard site with up-to-date closures and advisories (to name a few).

In May of 2014, New York City launched a free texting service to announce beach closings so area residents can “know before they go” to the beach if their beach is open or closed and get alerts about advisories, closures and water quality issues.

In the recent Testing the Waters report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), of 30 states monitored, Ohio had the most contaminated beaches with 35 percent of samples exceeding acceptable levels of bacteria. Illinois ranked 15 out of the 30 states for beach water quality in 2013. And the Great Lakes had the most contaminated beaches in 2013, with 13% of samples testing positive for bacteria from human or animal waste.

The biggest sources of contamination are stormwater runoff and sewage overflows, along with aging water infrastructure. Efforts have begun in Chicago to address stormwater issues and update water infrastructure. But in the mean time, when heavy rains hit, such as before July 4th, sewage has to be released into Lake Michigan, causing additional swimming bans.

Hitting close to home for me, the NRDC report ranked Chicago’s Montrose Beach on the north side and South Shore Beach (south side)  as the most contaminated beaches in 2013. Both beaches contained unsafe levels of bacteria with 31 percent of samples tested having unsafe levels last year. Montrose Beach ranked as the most contaminated beach in 2012.

What makes this beach so bad? The nearby dog beach and bird sanctuaries are at least partly to blame, experts say, as the animals contribute waste directly into the water along the shoreline.

All this beach closing and bacteria talk may make you want to head to a nearby pool instead. But there are contamination issues at area pools (and in hot tubs and spas) to be aware of as well.

Public swimming pools had similar rates of unsafe levels in water tests: 1 in 10 (10 percent) didn’t have appropriate disinfectant levels and 1 in 8 resulted in pool closures, according to the CDC’s Healthy Swimming site (with data from 2008).

What can swimmers do to stay healthy? Try not to add germs of your own to the swimming pool or beach by using the bathroom regularly, not swimming if already experiencing diarrhea, showering with soap before swimming, rinsing off after a swim and not swallowing the water.

Swimming is a great way to exercise and enjoy the summer and officials don’t want people to avoid beaches or pools. Just take a little time to ‘test the water’ first, using updates from your local media, park district, health department or the NRDC report which allows you to click on information for your state beaches) – before you decide to DIVE IN!

Written By: Keri B. Lynch, Chicago-based freelance writer

Chris Kayondo

Chris Kayondo

Treasurer, USA

Chris Kayondo

Rachel Pringle

Global WASH Manager

Rachel Pringle

Rachel has over 13 years of experience managing rural WASH programs and enterprises across Southeast Asia and Africa. She is passionate about designing and delivering human-centered WASH solutions—working closely with enterprises, non-profits, and local governments to create lasting services. She has led large-scale initiatives focused on scaling practical solutions that increase equitable access to safe water and sanitation.

Prior to joining Surge, Rachel served as the Water Sector Lead for SNV in Lao PDR, where she managed a climate-resilient and inclusive WASH program that improved access to services for over 230,000 people. In addition to program management, she led research initiatives that informed key policies, including national guidelines on community-based water safety planning and strategies to achieve full sanitation coverage by 2025.

Sign up for our Newsletter

Learn about our events, work, and ways to make an impact

Will you consider Making a Donation to help make a difference?

Contact Us

Learn about our events, work, and ways to make an impact

Will you consider Making a Donation to help make a difference?

Lorraine Alva

Lorraine Alva

Director, UAE

Lorraine Alva

I’m passionate about Surge’s mission to provide clean water to those most in need. It’s touching to hear the experiences of our team who’ve witnessed and contributed first-hand solutions to the communities Surge works in. As the mother of Surge’s founder, it is extra-special to see my daughter’s vision and hard work come to life and make a difference in so many lives. I’m also happy to apply my strong organizational and administration skills from my 35-year career in the oil industry towards Surge.

Laila Al Yousuf

Laila Al-Yousuf

Director, UAE
Design Director at Say Studio

Laila Al-Yousuf

I want my life to be about the positive impact that I make on other people’s lives. I’m blessed and I’m compelled to use my blessings to help other people; this is why I’m a part of Surge. Traveling to Uganda with Surge changed my life. Every day, I see the faces of the beautiful people we met, and it gives me the drive to do what I can for them. As a professional interior designer, it was an honor to use my talents to create and help launch Surge’s annual UAE gala and design competition: Design, Dine, Make a Difference. It’s been a surreal experience to see the interior design industry come together to support our cause, and thus change the lives of communities around the world.

Jennie Stallings

Jennie Stallings

Director, UAE
Partner/Commercial Manager at ChelseaGREEN

Jennie Stallings

With over 25 years’ experience across the US, Middle East, and Africa as an Ergonomic Specialist, Wellness Consultant, Trainer, Interior Designer, and self-proclaimed furniture guru, Jennie has been driven to help create spaces where people can thrive.

Jennie stumbled across Surge after attending the second annual gala, Design, Dine, make a Difference, and has been involved ever since. Whether she is in a ball gown in Dubai or a Surge t-shirt, she passionately supports Surge in any way her skills can allow her to be of service.

Suvai Gunasekaran Md Phd Candidate At Northwestern University

Suvai Gunasekaran

Governing Board, USA
Assistant Professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Suvai Gunasekaran

Scott Minger

Scott Minger

Development Chair, USA
Chief Development Officer at Vitamin Angels

Scott Minger

I believe access to clean water is a human right. I love how Surge provides sustainable solutions to communities with the goal of ending the cycle of poverty. I am passionate about leveraging my 20 years in the retail industry and nonprofit management experience to help provide access to clean water to those in need.

Sarah Lynch

Sarah Odde Lynch

Marketing & Communications Director, USA
Vice President of Sales and Marketing at BevSource

Sarah Odde Lynch

I love devoting my time as a marketing professional to an organization that cares about providing for children and families’ basic needs — and creating a better future. It’s been exciting to see Surge grow through the years, starting as an idea and now becoming a major force in the water and sanitation space. Outside of Surge, I’ve been in corporate marketing for more than 15 years, working on dynamic food and beverage brands such as Land O’Lakes®, Baileys®, Ketel One®, and most recently V&V Supremo Chihuahua® Cheese.

Img 2280

Josh DeBartolo

Governing Board, USA
Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Purview

Josh DeBartolo

Josh is a dynamic professional with a diverse background in finance, non-profits, and social businesses. With a passion for sustainable development, Josh takes a “listen first” approach and has spearheaded community-based disaster response efforts as well as initiatives designed to assist individuals combating rural and urban poverty both domestically and abroad. He currently serves as COO of a healthcare technology company, overseeing operations and implementing innovative solutions to improve health equity and access to expert care.

Avish Jalota

Finance Director, USA
Senior Engagement Manager at Northern Trust

Avish Jalota

Headshot Long 4000

Chris Beukenkamp

Governing Board, USA
Senior Director, Technology and AI Strategy at Salesforce

Chris Beukenkamp

Chris has spent over 25 years in software and IT working across the globe. He has lived in London, Canada, China and Taipei while managing teams and traveling with family all over APAC. Currently, he advises some of the world’s biggest retailers as a Distinguished Enterprise Architect at Salesforce. His family mantra and giving focus is “God, Kids and Animals” and is very excited to join the board at Surge and bring his expertise to help bring clean water and sanitation to children around the world.

Anna Paul

Anna Paul

Operations Director, USA
Director of Administration for the Village of Barrington Hills

Anna Paul

We’re so lucky to not have to think about the safety of our water. No one should have their future limited by access to safe water and sanitation. I dedicate my time to this cause because of the inspiring way Surge integrates with communities and becomes a part of them to solve this global issue. I know we are making a sustainable difference. Professionally, I’m an administrator and an organizer, and I apply these skills to to my work with Surge — where I get things working better and more efficiently. In my free time, you’ll find me at a fencing tournament.

Florence Ringe

Florence Ringe

Executive Director, POPOW, Uganda

Florence Ringe

I’ve ended up where I am because I have the passion and will to help the poor, needy, vulnerable, voiceless and invisible people especially women, children and the youth. My personal mission is to empower women, youth, orphans and vulnerable children to realize their full potentials for sustainable livelihoods. Surge is a Great, Reliable, Flexible and passionate partner. Before Surge, much of POPOW’s ideas remained in the book with no funds or additional ideas to bring them to reality. We were like a bird without wings to fly. We are so grateful and appreciative of Surge’s immense, invaluable support. Together, we’ve transformed and changed lives.

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

Director, ASSHLA, Haiti

Dr. Pierre Erol Rene

I’m a Doctor that cares about helping the most disadvantaged people improve their living conditions and live with dignity. I built an organization with friends to do this in Haiti in service of better drinking water, health, employment and housing. With a global vision to live in a world of solidarity, I looks forward to continued work with Surge and other partners to deliver on economic self-sufficiency. My partnership with Surge for Water has already helped me a lot in my mission.

Ashley Quinlan

Ashley Quinlan

Operations & Development Manager

Ashley Quinlan

As Surge’s Operations & Development Manager, Ashley helps oversee every community partner to support their work and success. She’s passionate about supporting solutions that serve both people and the planet.

Ashley holds a BS in Environmental Science from Loyola University Chicago and has had the chance to call Vietnam, Croatia, and Portugal home. In her free time, you can find her taking language classes, exploring her community, attempting embroidery, or reading.

Marita Peters

Marita Peters

Executive Director, UAE

Marita Peters

Surge’s mission to uplift and empower those most in need through life-giving water resonates deeply with me. My deepest desire is to do as much as I can for humanity, and Surge enables me to do so. Visiting Surge’s field partners and working, dancing and singing with the community is what I love the most. My passion for the cause gave me the courage to leave the corporate path and instead be a voice for our planet and its people. My diverse experiences in finance, human resources, sales, and parenting are all skills I use every day in running Surge’s UAE chapter.

Shilpa Alva

Shilpa Alva

Founder, Executive Director, Board Member

Shilpa Alva

I started Surge in response to a deep calling to give back to people who were less fortunate than me, and to be an active part of addressing poverty, injustice, and inequality in our world. Through Surge’s mission and model, I found an unanswered need and a way to fulfill my calling. Surge is one of my life’s biggest loves — it’s truly an extension of my mind, heart, and soul. It’s been so fulfilling and motivating being a part of Surge’s story and its global family, who are all connected by love and a desire to make our world a better place. My professional and educational experiences in engineering, public policy, supply chain, and management consulting are effectively put to use in running the organization.

See our founder, Shilpa Alva at TEDx