It's safe to wade in DuPage County streams now

Go ahead. Plant those two feet right in the river bed.

And breathe a sigh of relief knowing it's finally legal.

DuPage County Forest Preserve District commissioners lifted a ban on wading in streams Tuesday, a policy shift sure to gain them popularity amongst anglers and kids.

Until now, stepping into any bodies of water in forest preserves was prohibited -- and still is in lakes and ponds because of steep drop-offs.

Pollution was a concern, too, in streams and the DuPage River.

Water quality is much improved now, officials said, and after lobbying from local fishermen, commissioners waded into the issue.

"If you're in the water, you're able to access up and down the stream," said Rich McElligott, president of the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance.

"Walking in the water gives you a better natural environment."

Before approving the revision, the district first checked its liability insurance and got a green light.

"Since our insurance company said it's OK, I say, 'Let them go ahead and wade,'" Commissioner Michael Formento said.

District Law Enforcement Director Tom Wakolbinger cautioned that wading in forest preserve streams requires common-sense precautions.

"People need to be careful around water of any kind," he said.

Officials also warned against wading after storms when the water level is high or when flooding's occurred.