Lake County Environmental Group Expands Monitoring Efforts to 21 Lakes, Aiming to Address Water Health Issues
Lake County Lake Lovers, a working group of the nonprofit Global Water Works, is expanding its lake health monitoring program to include 21 lakes in Lake County. The initiative, which began in 2025 with 12 lakes, aims to help residents care for the county's 'orphan lakes.' Volunteers, equipped with monitoring tools donated by Illinois manufacturer Xylem, collect data on water quality, focusing on phosphate levels that can lead to harmful algae blooms. The group has grown from 160 to nearly 500 members, reflecting increased community engagement. The data collected, while not legally binding, is used to inform treatment decisions and raise awareness among local stakeholders. 
