MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Nearly three weeks have passed since a “do not drink” advisory was implemented following a toxic algal bloom in Mattoon’s water supply. The water has since become safe to drink, yet a much-loved summer destination remains inaccessible.
The boat ramps at Lake Mattoon are closed, and swimming is still not allowed. Officials indicated that reopening would depend on water treatment efforts. However, low oxygen levels in the water have delayed those efforts, which were initially scheduled for this week.
“It’s been very quiet. There are no boats on the lake. Basically, the only ones that have a boat on the lake, can be on the lake,” remarked Linda Brandt, a local resident of Lake Mattoon. “There’s no skiing, no nothing, you can’t see anything out there.”
Because the treatment that kills the algae lowers the oxygen levels, it can also be harmful to marine life.
“We don’t see anybody. I mean usually Wednesdays is the bass pro fishing thing, and the boats come in and out… there’s nothing,” Brandt said.
Boats that were already on the lake are okay to stay, but since the ramp is closed, any and all other boats are prohibited. Swimming and other water sports are also off limits.
“I know there’s kids around here, and they can’t go swimming or tubing or do any of that stuff that they always do,” Brandt said.
The city said as soon as the oxygen levels go up, then the water can be treated. After that, they can retest the water and decide when they can reopen.
As for Brandt, she hopes the lake will be open soon.
“We like sitting out there, looking at the boats go by and wave to people. It’s just, it’s enjoyable — it’s relaxing to us,” Brandt said.
The city said they plan to test the oxygen levels again this week.
Because the metrics are different for being on the water than in the water, officials said the lake could reopen sooner for boat traffic than for swimming.
