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Carbondale Reopens Evergreen Park

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Carbondale's Evergreen Park re-opened Tuesday morning, after city officials say environmental tests show a toxic algae bloom is dissipating.

The algae was turning water in the Evergreen Reservoir and nearby Piles Fork Creek blue, and the city closed the park and warned people to stay away from the water until further testing could be finished.
Those tests are ongoing, and while the park is open, city leaders want people and animals to stay out of the water for the time being. The samples have been sent to state labs, and reports on those results are expected later.

Carbondale's water supply doesn't come from the reservoir, so drinking water remains safe.
 

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Carbondale is warning people to steer clear of the Evergreen Reservoir and Piles Fork Creek, after water there was reportedly turning blue.

Samples were gathered, and a lab is taking a look at them, but experts say they're concerned there may be toxic algae in areas of the reservoir and creek.

The specific areas of concern are between Evergreen Reservoir on Pleasant Hill Road and South Wall Street near Grand Avenue.

The city says the algae is a natural phenomenon, but in the meantime people are asked to stay out of the water, and avoid all contact with it. The algae can cause skin rashes, and if it's ingested can make people and animals sick.

The city also says its drinking water is safe - because that water comes from Cedar Lake.
 

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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