EPA Provides $232,000 to Illinois to Monitor Water Quality at Beaches and Protect Swimmers

EPA Provides $232,000 to Illinois to Monitor Water Quality at Beaches and Protect Swimmers

May 21, 2026

Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing $232,000 in grant funding that Illinois will use to monitor water quality at beaches and to notify the public if elevated levels of bacteria make swimming unsafe.

"Illinois communities rely on vibrant lakeshores to power summer traditions and local economies," said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "Today's support strengthens on-the-ground science and local partnerships so families can enjoy the water with confidence all season long."

This funding is authorized by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act and advances EPA's goals of enhancing cooperative federalism and ensuring that every American has access to clean and safe water, two key pillars of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin's Powering the Great American Comeback InitiativeExit EPA's website.

Learn more about BEACH Act grantsExit EPA's website.

Before heading to the beach, check the relevant state, Tribal or territorial beach program websiteExit EPA's website for closing or advisory information.

Background

To be eligible for BEACH Act grants, states, Tribes, and territories must have coastal or Great Lakes recreational waters adjacent to beaches or similar points of access used by the public. They must also have a water quality standards program and EPA-approved numeric recreational water quality standards for coastal waters. Additionally, eligible entities must meet 11 performance criteria for implementing the monitoring, assessment, and notification components of their beach program. Each grantee receives an amount based on the length of the beach season, the number of miles of shoreline and the populations of coastal counties. 

EPA Region 5:
Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians $50,000
Grand Portage Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe $50,000
Keweenaw Bay Indian Community $50,000

Illinois $232,000
Indiana $205,000
Michigan $260,000
Minnesota $203,000
Ohio $216,000
Wisconsin $220,000

###