Starting this week, the beach water quality at 34 public beaches in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts will be tested weekly by the Sudbury and District Health Unit to ensure that the water at the beaches is acceptable for swimming.
If water samples show elevated concentrations of bacteria, the health unit will post signs warning the public that the beach is unsafe for swimming. Information about the status of each beach is also available on the health unit’s website.
The water samples collected are analyzed for E. coli bacteria, which normally inhabit the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The presence of this bacteria above acceptable levels can be an indication of fecal pollution, which could come from stormwater runoff, pets, or wildlife. If a swimmer ingested water that had high concentrations of E. coli, they could experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
When warnings are posted at a beach, the health unit also starts collecting daily samples to monitor the water quality at the affected beach. The swimming advisory signs remain at that beach until tests show that the bacteria levels are acceptable.
The status of local beaches is updated on an ongoing basis, and the information is available by visiting www.sdhu.com or by calling the health unit at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
