The Sudbury & District Health Unit is advising against swimming in Whitewater Lake in Azilda, after testing discovered E. coli bacteria levels were unsafe.
The health unit has posted signs at the beach warning people shouldn't swim in the lake until bacteria levels drop.
“Routine water samples taken by the health unit exceeded the acceptable bacteriological water quality standards for bathing beaches,” the release said.
“We have enhanced our monitoring and will continue taking water samples,” Cynthia Peacock-Rocca, a manager in the health unit’s environmental health division, is quoted as saying in the release.
Going into the water when bacteria are present in high concentrations puts bathers at risk for infections, the release said.
“Illness can occur if swimmers swallow beach water; if water gets into their ears, eyes, or nose; or if it comes in contact with open wounds.”
Rylan Yade, environmental support officer with the health unit, said this is the first beach under this type of warning this year. The health unit monitors water quality at 35 beaches in the area it covers.
Yade said E. coli is associated with fecal matter, which could come from pets, birds, or the recent rains the city received stirring up fecal matter on the bottom of the lake.
“It will be monitored day-to-day,” he said when asked how long the beach will be under the advisory. “We obvious want to be able to reopen it as soon as we can.”
The public will be notified when the bacterial levels return to acceptable standards for bathing beaches, he added.
For up-to-date information about beach water quality in Greater Sudbury, visit www.sdhu.com.
