Durham Region Health Department has started testing waters at designated public beaches throughout Durham as part of the annual Beach Monitoring Program.
Test results for the week of June 5 indicate that all public beaches are safe for swimming. Beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the provincial standard of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water.
However, Durham Health reminded that Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park) has a blue-green algae advisory. While the beach is listed as open, people can protect themselves and their pets from blue-green algae blooms by not swimming or playing in areas where water is discoloured or where foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water’s surface are present. Consuming fish from areas where mats of algae are present is also not advised.
The Health Department reminds the public not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, as bacteria levels can increase due to run-off.
Test results for the week of June 5
Throughout the summer, the Health Department conducts bacteriological water tests to determine if beaches are safe for swimming. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough tests the water samples. Results are shared with the media by the Friday of each week, to assist with public notification of beach postings.
For more information about the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring program, visit durham.ca/beaches, or call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729.