Poplar Camp Beach in Carbondale reopens after water quality check

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – A beach in Carbondale that was closed after elevated levels of e coli were detected is back open.

Extensive water sampling and analysis confirmed that the water quality at the beach has returned to normal within the safe range as per the latest guidelines provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, according to the city of Carbondale.

Recent monitoring of the water quality at Poplar Camp Beach revealed elevated levels of e coli were present in the water due to an increase in the geese population at the beach and prolonged dry weather conditions.

The Jackson County Health Department required the city to temporarily close the beach.

Following a temporary closure due to increased bacteria levels, the city conducted rigorous testing since last week, closely monitoring the water quality at Poplar Camp Beach.

The latest test results indicated a significant improvement, meeting and surpassing the safety requirements set by regulatory bodies.