Summer is Beach Water Monitoring season
Image from Lakelands Public Health Beach Water Monitoring website
By Cecilia Nasmith
Lakelands Public Health announces the launch of its annual Beach Water Monitoring Program on June 15, helping residents and visitors stay safe while enjoying the region's beaches.
Throughout the summer, Lakelands staff will monitor water quality at 76 municipally-owned and -operated beaches throughout the region, Northumberland County, testing water samples for E. Coli bacteria – an indicator of potential contamination and increased risk of illness.
New this year, Lakelands is installing updated signage to make water conditions easier to understand, based on a clear three-colour system.
Green status means safe for swimming, as the water quality meets Ontario guidelines.
Yellow status means swimming is not advised due to elevated bacteria levels that may increase the risk of illness. Swimming is best avoided, and contact with the water should be limited – especially for children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Red status means the beach is closed because of high bacteria levels or hazardous water conditions – do not swim or enter the water.
The signs are designed to help someone determine quickly whether the water is safe, and support informed decision-making while at the beach.
Natural bodies of water always contain some levels of bacteria. While monitoring helps identify when the risk is higher, there is always some level of risk associated with swimming in untreated water.
As well, beach water quality can change quickly, and is often affected by rainfall, wildlife and runoff. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, and infections of the eye, ear, nose or throat. Beach-closed postings are more likely to occur after heavy rains or during extended periods of hot weather.
“Regular beach monitoring helps protect the health of our communities by identifying potential risks and sharing timely information,” Environmental Health Manager Bernie Mayer said in the announcement.
“The new signage makes it easier for residents to understand current conditions, and make informed decisions to protect themselves and their families.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to check posted signage (and the LakelandsPH.ca/BeachCheck site) before swimming, and avoid entering the water during and for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall.
Lakelands also reminds the public to watch for blue-green algae blooms, which can pose health risks. Suspected blooms should be reported to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-866-663-8477.
Testing runs June 15 through Aug. 31, and results are available on-line throughout this time. Lakelands encourages everyone to check before you swim, and take simple precautions to reduce the risk of illness while enjoying time at the beach.
