York Region health inspector Ramien Sereshk takes a water sample at the
Peninsula Resort last week following a thunderstorm that resulted in several beaches being posted.
Georgina
July 16, 2008 06:44 PM
By: John Slykhuis
Last week’s severe thunderstorm with torrential rains washed a considerable amount of debris and contaminants into the lake, resulting in several beach postings due to high E. coli levels.
York Regional community and health services annual beach sampling program continues until the end of August. Water samples from a total of 17 beaches, 14 of them in Georgina, are taken and sent for lab tests Wednesdays by public health inspector Ramien Sereshk.
Beaches are posted if levels of E. coli bacteria are greater than the provincial guideline of 100 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water.
While testing is only done for E. coli, health officials also conduct a beach pollution source survey of beaches in York Region to identify potential sources of pollution.
The beach testers fill out a survey to include information such as the number of swimmers, presence of waterfowl and water temperature and, in recent weeks, counting the number of dead carp.
Large numbers of waterfowl like Canada geese are known contributors of E-coli.
Health services spokesperson Jennifer Mitchell-Emmerson noted while beaches are posted for high levels of E. coli, that does not mean the beaches are actually closed. Beaches are closed when there are indications of hazardous or infectious materials or in the event of a blue-green algae bloom. The beach will be re-opened when it is safe.
The quality of lake water can change quickly and people should not swim for up to two days following heavy rainfall, such as the one we had last week, she said.
High waves can also stir up bacteria settled on the lake bottom. If you can’t see your feet, it may not be safe to go in the water.
Last year, the beach with the poorest water quality was Cedar Beach in Whitchurch-Stouffville. That was followed by Georgina beaches, De La Salle Park, Jackson’s Point and Claredon Beach in Keswick.
Franklin, Keswick, Balfour, North Gwillimbury and Island Grove beaches were not posted.
Sibbald Point Provincial Park beach is tested by provincial officials and has never been posted for E. coli contamination.
However, no posted beach needed to be closed last summer.
The signs warning people not to swim do not always deter them, experts say. Although clearly posted, some swimmers use the water regardless.
High levels of bacteria can cause skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections, as well as stomach disorders. If you experience these after swimming you are urged to see a doctor.