Test results for the week of August 8 indicate that six 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.
The Health Department reminded 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.