Here's why testing the water at local beaches is so important
The Simcoe Muskoka health unit is busy testing local beach water bacteria levels to ensure the safety of beachgoers this summer.
"When there's elevated levels of bacteria, there could be increased risk of illness," said Safe Water Program manager Karen Kivilahti.
Over 50 beaches in the region are tested weekly to check bacteria levels.
"Some beaches are more prone to environmental factors that increase the level of bacteria, and some have a very, very good history, so that's part of the reason why we like to collect that regular data, so we know the health of our lakes," she added.
Five water samples are taken from different areas along the beaches to determine an average bacteria level.
"That's why we mark the samples. So we can see which one might be causing the problem, which area, and so we can get a good idea overall of how clean the beach is, "explained Safe Water Program environmental surveillance student Kaitlyn Large.
Other environmental factors, like water temperature, weather, wind and waterfowl, are taken into consideration.
"If there was really high bacteria at a beach where that's not normally the case, we look at that environmental sheet, and if there was 50 geese in the water that day, then that's a good indicator that there's nothing really wrong with the beach it was just the birds that day," said Safe Water Program environmental surveillance student Kaila Gabriel.
- Download our app to get local alerts to your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The samples are sent to a lab, and the results usually come back within 24 to 48 hours.
If there is a risk for swimmers, signage is put up at the beach to notify swimmers.
The health unit warns elevated levels of bacteria can cause skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections and stomach illnesses.
If a swimming advisory is posted, beachgoers are encouraged to avoid going underwater and swallowing the water.
Swimming after heavy rainfall is also not recommended.
"Heavy rains actually wash all the surface contaminants into the water, and it takes a little while, anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, for the lake to naturally recover," said Kivilahti.
Wet sand is also a breeding ground for bacteria, she added.
"When we're building sandcastles and playing in the sand, it's really important to remember to wash our hands after and bring wet wipes and hand sanitizer."
The testing program will run until Labour Day weekend.
A complete list of beach advisories for the region is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.