Beaches

Water is tested for E. coli bacteria, which is an indicator that there is fecal contamination present from animals, humans, or both.

E. coli, as well as other disease-causing organisms, can cause intestinal illness or infections of the eyes, ears, nose, or throat.

The eyes and skin may become itchy and irritated from direct contact with E.coli through activities such as swimming.

If large amounts of E.coli bacteria are swallowed, a person may experience symptoms such as headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

The recreational water (beach) quality guideline is set jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. A swimming advisory and warning sign is posted at the beach when water sample results show:

• Geometric mean of 200 E.coli per 100ml of water
  
  
• One single sample above 400 E. coli per 100ml of water

E. coli is an indicator that there is fecal contamination present from either animals, humans, or both. Recent studies suggest that waterfowl droppings are the number one contributor to increased E. coli levels in beach water. One way beach-goers can help protect the water quality is to not feed ducks, geese, sea gulls and other birds at the beach. 

Major rainfall can cause rainwater to runoff of nearby fields, lawns, farms, and streets.  As this water runs off of these surfaces into the lake, it can bring with it animal waste, fertilizer, pesticides, trash, and many other pollutants.

A number of other factors can influence the amount of bacteria, including E. coli, in the water, such as animal waste runoff, boating waste, sewer overflows, waterfowl droppings, and seasonal and storm surface run-off.

Water quality is heavily impacted by environmental conditions. Bacteria grows in the warmer waters of summer time. In addition, bacteria levels in beach water are often much higher following a heavy rainfall or high winds.

As a general guideline, the Health Unit recommends that people avoid swimming in the lake for 48 hours after a significant rainfall and/or high winds as this may increase the presence of disease-causing bacteria.

Beaches may also be unsafe due to floating debris, oil/ chemicals, high turbidity, and blue-green algae blooms.

An advisory will stay in place until the next routine water sample is taken. Water samples are collected once a week, typically on Mondays; or the Tuesday following a holiday Monday. Samples are sent to a lab and results are received 24-48hrs later.  

Water quality can change day-to-day and hour-by-hour. Weather conditions can adversely affect water quality. If the water is cloudy from rough water or heavy rains, it may have high levels of bacteria for up to two days. The public is advised to consider recent weather conditions when deciding on whether or not to go swimming.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins which may be harmful to health through direct contact or consumption. Until further notice, residents and visitors should take the following precautions:

• Avoid swimming or other activities that involve direct contact with the water (note that children are more vulnerable to the toxins produced by the algae than adults).
• Do not allow pets to swim in or drink from the water.
• Thoroughly wash any area of exposure with clean water and soap, in case of accidental exposure to the water.
• Do not eat fish caught in water sources with blue-green algae.

While the blue-green algae may not show the presence of toxins, there is always a risk that toxins could be produced. Toxins may stay in the water for up to three weeks after the algae bloom is gone. Drinking water supplies from wells in the area have not been affected by this algae bloom, as blooms are not a concern for groundwater drinking supplies. The severity of symptoms and the level of risk to health depend on how you are exposed to blue-green algae toxins.

For more information, see the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks web page on Blue-Green Algae.