11 Jul 2008
We’ve just come through a particularly long and cold winter, and now that summer has finally arrived, we look forward to enjoying hot sunny days at one of the great beaches Simcoe Muskoka is blessed with. Consequently, it can be very disappointing to arrive and find a sign warning about elevated bacterial levels in the beckoning waters.
All open bodies of water contain varying concentrations of bacteria, viruses and other organisms and generally we can deal with routine exposures. Sometimes however, conditions arise that cause an increase in these organisms, to the point where swimmers face a higher possibility of infection of the eyes, ears, nose or throat, or a stomach upset if they swallow too much water.
Throughout the swimming season the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit regularly monitors the water quality of 71 public beaches in our district. The health unit follows Provincial protocol to collect water samples. The laboratory results are then compared to the acceptable standards, matched against environmental factors and historical readings in order to determine the relative risk to swimmers.
If the assessment shows values above the guideline levels, the health unit notifies the municipality or operator of the beach to post a sign warning the public about the situation. The health unit will take additional samples for testing, in order to return the beach to full use as soon as practicable.
Beach postings often occur after heavy rainfall because material has been washed down from the areas surrounding the beach (fowl and animal droppings) or from drainage ditches and streams in the vicinity. Bacteria levels can also increase when wave action or the number of people in the water stir up bacteria that has naturally settled on the bottom of the lake or bay. Where a swimming area regularly shows increased levels after rainstorms, a permanent sign may be posted warning bathers of the risk of swimming 24 to 48 hours after a rain event.
A warning posted is just that - a warning. If you choose to swim, your risk of infection is increased.
A beach closure, on the other hand, prohibits people from swimming. The medical officer of health or his representative orders a closure when a catastrophic event such as a chemical or sewage spill occurs or if toxic algae blooms are found in the water. These situations pose an immediate hazard to swimmers.
You can do your part to protect the water quality in and around area beaches by practicing “stoop and scoop” when walking your dog and by obeying the restricted pet signs. For those of you on septic systems, keep them in good operating condition, especially if you are near a lake, river or stream. For everyone, try to reduce your household water use. Don’t wash your vehicles near beaches, rivers, or streams, and don’t use the lake as a personal bathtub or washing machine.
To find out if any beaches are posted with a warning or for more information on the health unit''s beach monitoring program, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to speak to a public health inspector.
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