Chicago's dirtiest beaches: Montrose, South Shore, and Rainbow, study says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- How clean is your favorite beach? The Natural Resources Defense Council said it may depend on whether dogs are allowed.

Four Cook County beaches and one Lake County beach are the dirtiest in the state, according to the study. They are: Montrose, South Shore and Rainbow beaches in Chicago; Elder Park Beach in Winnetka; and North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor.

The study compared 49 of the 63 coastal beaches in the state for E. colli bacteria. Illinois, as a whole, ranked 15th in Beach Water Quality out of 30 states.

The Chicago Park District is trying to determine if dogs at nearby dog beaches could be part of the problem.

Read the Natural Resources Defense Council study

The Chicago Park District also posts information about the beaches. Find that at http://www.cpdbeaches.com/home.cfm .