The beaches at Griswold Lake have reopened after three days of bacterial analysis showed the water is safe for swimming.
The McHenry County Health Department had closed the lake Wednesday after several thousand gallons of raw sewage emptied into the water. The spill occurred when a private utility company cut a pressurized sewer line, sending sewage into surface water that drains into the lake.
Dozens of homes rim Griswold Lake, which is between Island Lake and Holiday Hills.
The lake’s four beaches reopened Sunday, relying on test results from three consecutive days, said Patrick McNulty, director of environmental health. However, the point on the lake’s west side where the sewage entered the water remains off-limits.
“At the actual spill area we still have what we consider to be unsatisfactory conditions, although it has improved tremendously,” McNulty said.
Health officials have asked people living near the lake to avoid the contaminated site until further notice. The health department plans to continue testing the area this week.