MONEE, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency says it has detected a toxin the Monee Reservoir in northern Illinois.
The reservoir is a boating and fishing site run by the Forest Preserve District of Will County. The (Kankakee) Daily Journal reports that algae in the reservoir are producing a high level of toxins called microcystins. District officials say the toxin could cause health problems if people, children or pets ingest it.
Warning signs have been posted and the district says residents should avoid contact with the algae on the surface areas of the lake.
The district and Illinois EPA are monitoring the situation. The Illinois EPA says it will retest the water in August.