 |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Print | YORK REGION>Publications>News>2006 |
|
 |
|||||||||||
September 20, 2006 |
 |
Media Release |
 |
|
2006 Beach Sampling Program Ends
If the level of bacteria was high enough to cause illness, York Region Health Services posted a sign at the beach warning residents that the beach was unsafe for bathing and that the high level of bacteria in the water may pose a health risk. When the water was once again safe for swimming, the beach was re-opened.
In 2006, beaches were posted due to high bacterial levels for a total of 80 days. This is lower than in 2005 when beaches were posted for a total of 121 days. A summary of York Region beach postings and closures for the 2006 season (June 14 – September 1, 2006) is included as an attachment. The beach sampling program will resume in June 2007.
Water samples were collected from each beach site once per week during the summer season. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Laboratories Branch tested the water samples for bacterial quality. Beaches were posted when water sample results indicate elevated E. coli levels above the provincial guidelines of 100 E coli per 100ml of water. Beaches were closed when there were indications of hazardous or infectious materials present in the water, or in the event of a blue-green algae bloom.
Some factors that contribute to increased levels of E. coli in beach water include, but are not limited to:
• Seasonal and storm surface run-off into rivers and lakes
• Sewer overflows
• Agricultural manure and feedlot run-off
• Malfunctioning private sewage disposal systems
• Domestic pet waste run-off
• Large populations of waterfowl
• Warm water temperatures
• Boating wastes
Permanent signs were posted at the public bathing beaches reminding the public not to swim in water for at least 48 hours after a heavy rainfall. Bacteria levels can increase due to heavy rainfall run-off into lakes.
For further information about recreational water quality in York Region visit the Health Services Web site at www.york.ca or call Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653.
Media Contact: Jennifer Mitchell-Emmerson,
Phone: (905) 830-4444 ext. 4016 or After-hours Pager (905) 830-3302
2006 Beach Program Summary
The York Region beach monitoring program for the 2006 season ran from June 14 to September 1, 2006. Water samples were collected from each beach site once per week during the summer season. The
Beaches were posted when water sample results indicated elevated E. coli levels. Posted beaches were resampled the following day. Overall, the beaches were posted for fewer days than in the previous two years.
Beaches are closed when there are indications of hazardous or infectious materials present in the water, or in the event of a blue-green algae bloom. There were no beach closures for the 2006 beach monitoring season.
A. Beaches Posted due to levels of E. coli greater than the provincial guideline of 100 E. coli per 100ml.
TOWN OF
|
BEACH |
DATE POSTED |
NUMBER OF DAYS POSTED |
|
Port Bolster |
June 29, 2006 |
12 |
|
July 20, 2006 |
1 | |
|
Peninsula Motel |
July 20, 2006 |
1 |
|
July 27, 2006 |
1 | |
|
August 24, 2006 |
1 | |
|
Holmes Point |
July 6, 2006 |
4 |
|
July 20, 2006 |
1 | |
|
August 31, 2006 |
1 | |
|
|
July 13, 2006 |
2 |
|
De La Salle |
June 22, 2006 |
1 |
|
July 13, 2006 |
7 | |
|
July 27, 2006 |
7 | |
|
Franklin Beach |
July 13, 2006 |
2 |
|
August 3, 2006 |
6 | |
|
|
July 13, 2006 |
2 |
|
August 31, 2006 |
1 | |
|
Willow/Paradise |
July 13, 2006 |
2 |
|
August 31, 2006 |
1 | |
|
|
August 3, 2006 |
1 |
|
|
July 13, 2006 |
5 |
|
|
July 6, 2006 |
4 |
|
August 3, 2006 |
6 | |
|
August 31, 2006 |
1 | |
|
|
August 31, 2006 |
1 |