Wauconda, IL

Lake Level Information 

The Village manages the water level on Bangs Lake in order to reduce the likelihood of flooding, to minimize shoreline erosion, and to ensure adequate lake elevation to allow for weed harvesting. When the lake elevation reaches 10.0 inches above normal mean water elevation, Bangs Lake is considered restricted and is placed into a ‘No Wake’ status. At 12.0 inches above, the Village has the authority to close the lake to all activities. It is important to note, lake drainage cannot be expedited, only restricted. In the event of a drought or low water levels, control bars are used to regulate the outflow of water from Bangs Lake.

Lake Status information is announced and updated on all social media sites, the Village website and notifications through Everbridge, our emergency alert notifications system. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @Wauconda60084, and Instagram at Village_of_Wauconda to keep informed of all things Wauconda!

Bangs Lake is OPEN with NO RESTRICTIONS.
Bangs Lake is OPEN but in a NO WAKE status.
Bangs Lake is CLOSED to traffic, motorized and non-motorized.

Beaches Monitored by Lake County Health Dept. from Memorial Day through Labor Day

From May to September, the Health Department's Lakes Management Unit (LMU) samples Lake Michigan beaches 4 days a week. Beaches on inland lakes are tested biweekly (2 times per month). The water samples are tested for E coli bacteria, which are found in the intestines of almost all warm-blooded animals. While not all strains of E coli are the same, certain strains can make humans sick if ingested in high enough concentrations.

If water samples come back high for E coli (235 E coli/100 ml), the management body for the bathing beach is notified and a sign is posted indicating the beach closure. Additionally, since rain events tend to lead to elevated bacteria levels in the water column, the LMU advises that persons avoid swimming after a large rain event. 
Beach Advisories & Closures