The City of Evanston has partnered with the University of Illinois Public Health at Chicago to conduct Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) water testing at all Evanston swimming beaches. This testing method, approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), has proven to be an effective tool to detect and quantify microorganisms in water within a few hours, ensuring timely safety measures for all Evanston beachgoers.  

This new qPCR test replaces the old Colilert-18 culture method, which has a turnaround time of 18-22 hours to provide confirmed results. The qPCR test measures the DNA of bacteria that indicate contamination. Switching to qPCR for beach water testing gives confirmed results the same day, sometimes in as little as three hours after sample collection. This important change means fewer unnecessary beach closures, fewer false positives (a problem experienced with the Colilert-18 method), and fewer disruptions to beach operations. The UIC lab, which has a contract with the City of Chicago, has been performing qPCR tests for all Chicago beaches for nearly a decade. 

The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) will issue beach advisories, in accordance with the guidelines provided by EPA and approved by IDPH, when results indicate unsafe swimming conditions due to the presence of the indicator bacteria Enterococci. Beach closures will only occur in the event of high-risk contamination or a clear public hazard event (e.g. when the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District opens Wilmette's Locks). HHS will work closely with the Parks and Recreation Department, utilizing its newly enacted flag notification system.

“I am excited about this significant step in public health. This advanced science will expedite beach water results, allowing for quicker decisions to protect the health of all Evanston beachgoers,” said Public Health Director Ike Ogbo. “I am thankful for the collaboration of the Evanston Parks and Recreation and Fire Departments to ensure that this measure is successful without impacting beach operations,” he added. 

For questions or additional information about beach water operations or the new qPCR beach water testing method, please visit the City’s website, call 847-448-4311 (dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston), or email health@cityofevanston.org.