Test results for the week of July 6 indicates that two beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
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.
While the sampling of the water at public beaches within Durham Region is the responsibility of the Health Department, processes and restrictions related to Covid-19 at area beaches are the responsibility of the local area municipalities.
**A Blue Green Algae Advisory sign has been posted at Elgin Pond due to the identification of a small blue green algal bloom. Therefore, water samples were not collected this week from Elgin Pond for testing.
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.
Throughout the summer, the Health Department will be conducting bacteriological water tests to determine if these beaches are safe for swimming. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough provides analyses of all water samples submitted for testing. Each week when test results are reviewed, they will be sent to members of the media to assist with public notification of beach postings. Media notifications will be done by Friday of each week.