The Lake Huron Centre For Coastal Conservation
Advocating Wise Stewardship of Lake Huron's Coastal Ecosystems
Beach Monitoring
 Sauble Beach |
Ontario Beaches are posted with warnings of possible health risks when elevated Escherichia coli (E.coli) densities are present. The recreational water quality guideline of 100 E.Coli per 100 ml of water is set jointly by the provincial ministries of Environment and Health.
Escherichia coli are bacteria present in the droppings of virtually all warm-blooded animals and are the indicator bacteria for fecal contamination of surface waters.
Generally, it is up to the Medical Officer of Health for the local Health Unit to decide when a beach should be posted. Once a beach has been posted for elevated E.coli levels, more frequent water samples are taken by the Health Unit. Beach Postings are removed after E.coli levels decrease to acceptable levels.
Monitoring of beach water quality for public health is the responsibility of the local Health Unit. Between Sarnia and Tobermory there are three Health Units.
Contact your local Health Unit for beach monitoring results:
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Grey Bruce Health Unit
www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca/Water/Recreational/ -
Huron County Health Unit
www.huroncounty.ca/health/beach-home.php -
Lambton Community Health Services Department
www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/safewater/index.asp -
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Topics/SafeWater.aspx
Also visit:
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Beach Health and Water Quality (US site)
www.great-lakes.net/beachcast/bw.html -
Healthy Swimming (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
www.cdc.gov/healthyswimming
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The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation P.O. Box 178, Blyth, Ontario, Canada N0M 1H0 Phone: (519) 523-4478 Email: coastalcentre@lakehuron.on.ca |
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