State & Local Government Policy, Business and Technology

Making Chicago's Beach Water Safer With Analytics

Data-Smart City Solutions: Ask someone about their last trip to a beach, and you’ll likely hear pleasant stories of relaxation and fun in the sun. Most of the time, those toes in the sand are being splashed with clear and safe water. Yet bacteria in that water can sometimes pose a public health risk. For example, Escherichia coli, when present in high quantities, can cause stomach flu, colds, skin rashes, and other health complications. Given that millions of people visit beaches in the United States every year, it’s a top priority for local public officials to ensure that the water is safe.

Dotted across its 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Chicago’s beaches are one of its most popular summertime attractions, with more than 20 million visitors a year. To ensure the safety of its beachgoers, the city piloted an analytical model last year to enhance beach water quality inspection processes conducted by the Chicago Park District. The model aimed to predict which beaches needed to be closed based on likely levels of E. coli, thus safeguarding the public with more timely advisories.

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