Crystal Lake Water Dropping as Drought Continues

2012 has been the year of sun, excessive temperatures, invasive weeds and dropping water levels for the waters of Crystal Lake.

The summer-long drought has taken its toll on the water levels of Crystal Lake.  Now, at season's end, sand bars are emerging in several areas near Lake Park at Main Beach, 300 Lake Shore Dr., Crystal Lake. The measuring stick Crystal Lake Park District officials use to check water levels by the lake's outlet at Lake Avenue and Riverside Drive stands atop a soggy sand bar, as well. Another stick has been placed further out in the water to compensate. Down at West Beach bay, 2330 Lake Ave., Lakewood, weeds spurred on by lack of ice and abundant sun last winter, spring and and summer are creating a nuissance for boaters. The water level itself, having just dropped another six inches in the past 20 days, measured Tuesday at 2 feet, 3.75 …

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Poll: Lawn, Yard Maintenance and the Continued Drought

With a continued drought affecting much of the area, how have you been keeping your landscaping and lawn looking nice? Or have you given up on it? Tell us in the comments section.

Area municipalities are working lately to get the word out about the need to conserve water with the continued drought.  Many villages are regulating outdoor water use. The village of Algonquin upped its restrictions today, now only allowing residents to use outdoor water from 6 to 9 a.m. under its even/odd schedule (homes with odd addresses can water on odd days and even addresses on even days).  But what has that meant for your home and your lawn this summer? Have you been trying to keep things nice and green or have you let your lawn dry out? Have you chosen to simply water certain plants, your garden and let others go?  Take our poll and tell us in our comments section how the drought is affecting the upkeep up your lawn, yard and/or …

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Algonquin Ups Water Restrictions as Drought Continues

For the first time since the village of Algonquin enacted its watering restrictions it has issued an "orange status," which means starting Thursday outdoor water use will only be allowed from 6 to 9 a.m. on even/odd days.

Stricter watering restrictions will be enacted Thursday in Algonquin as village officials are encouraging residents to let their lawns go dormant to help conserve water.  The level will switch from yellow to orange status for Algonquin residents on Thursday, which means outside water can only be used between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. with even addresses allowed to water on even days and odd addresses allowed to water on odd days. Under the yellow status, residents could also use outdoor water after 6 p.m. Typically, that is the status that is used throughout the summer in Algonquin but a continued drought coupled with an increase in water use is taxing the village’s resources. “We are looking at weather conditions, how much rain did we get, or in …

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Another Heat Wave on the Way

Highs are expected to reach 96 degrees July 16, with a heat index of around 100 degrees.

More extreme heat is on the way this week.  According to the National Weather Service, the forecast high for today, July 16, is 96 degrees, with a heat index of around 100 degrees. The forecast high for Tuesday is 98 degrees, with a heat index of 100 to 106 degrees. AIRNow says today's air quality is expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups. "Active children and adults, and people with lung disease, such as asthma, should reduce prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors," according to AIRNow. How do you plan to stay cool in the heat?

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Area Leaders Explore Options at County Drought Summit

Area Leaders Explore Options at County Drought Summit

Drought Summit to Address Ground Water Issues in County

The summit will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 11.

Followed by a stretch of extreme heat during an already-dry summer, county officials will be holding a drought summit Wednesday morning to address any potential ground water issues.  With the decreased precipitation, water flow in many area streams is greatly reduced, and water levels in many ground water monitoring wells are falling, according to a press release about the dry weather conditions. The summit will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the County Administration Building at 2200 North Seminary Avenue in Woodstock.  Municipal officials, watershed monitors, township officials, agricultural representatives, golf course operators, other high volume water users and interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting and discuss the…

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Officials Warn of Drought-Related Fire Risk Caused by Fireworks

Officials are reminding residents to heed fireworks laws this Fourth of July.

With much of northern Illinois in a moderate drought, local officials are warning residents of the potential risk of fire caused by fireworks.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (N.F.O.A.) more U.S. fires are reported on the fourth of July than on any other day, and fireworks accounted for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fire.  With the dry weather conditions, residents are encouraged to use extra precautions when celebrating the holiday this year, according to a village of Lake in the Hills press release.  The Lake in the Hills Police Department will have zero tolerance on violations of the Municipal fireworks ordinance and/or Illinois law, according to a LITH press release.  Any violators will be …

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Poll: Extreme Heat or Extreme Cold — What Would You Choose?

Soaring temperatures could near the 100-degree mark Thursday.

Extreme heat will enter the area over the next several days.  The National Weather Service is forecasting a high of 99 degrees Thursday in Algonquin.  High temperatures then will hover near the 90-degree mark through the weekend, according to the weather service. Lower-than-average rainfall coupled with the hot weather so far this year has caused drought-like conditions to develop throughout Illinois. At Chicago-O'Hare, 12.65 inches of rainfall has been recorded so far this year, compared with 22.56 inches of rainfall at this time last year.  In northern Illinois, the conditions have been classified as abnormally dry, which is the least-severe rating on the U.S. Drought Monitor.  As far as weather in Algonquin, here are more details on …

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