HKPR District Health Unit – Beach Water Testing Program Ends for the Season
HKPR District Health Unit Public Health Inspectors sample 46 public beaches weekly for signs of E. coli
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) would like to inform residents that the annual Beach Testing Water Program has come to a finish for the season.
During the summer season a total of 46 public beaches in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Haliburton County and Northumberland County were regularly sampled for E. coli. These test results were then updated on a weekly basis on the HKPR District Health Unit’s Unit’s Beach Water Testing webpage and shared through social media channels (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram). Signs are also posted at local beaches, indicating if conditions are right for swimming or not.
Based on bacteria counts in the water, the HKPR District Health Unit uses a three-colour system to report beach water test results: Green (open), Yellow (swimming not recommended), and Red (closed).
“I’d like to thank all of those residents who took the time to be informed about beach conditions and reviewed the beach water testing results before heading out,” said Bernie Mayer, Manager of Environmental Health with the HKPR District Health Unit. “We certainly have many beautiful bodies of water in our region that allow for swimming but can, on occasion, experience high counts of bacteria.”
There are several ways that beaches can become contaminated with bacteria. Storm water runoff, combined with sewer overflows, sewage treatment plant bypasses, agricultural runoff, faulty septic systems, and large populations of waterfowl like geese all contribute to water pollution. This in turn can lead to beaches being posted as unsafe for swimming. High levels of bacteria can persist for up to 48 hours after a heavy rainfall, and bacterial counts can also be affected by high winds or wave activity.
“We look forward to resuming our Beach Water Testing Program in the summer of 2023,” Mayer added.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love