Beach water monitoring is returning to Northumberland County waterfronts as Lakelands Public Health prepares to launch its annual summer testing program beginning June 15.
Public health staff will monitor water quality throughout the summer at several Northumberland beaches including Cobourg Victoria Park Beach, Port Hope’s East Beach, West Beach and Caldwell Street Beach, Sandy Bay Public Beach, Wicklow Beach, Little Lake in Cramahe, and waterfront beaches in Hastings and Trent Hills.
According to Lakelands Public Health, water samples are regularly tested for E. coli bacteria, which can indicate contamination and increased health risks for swimmers.
New this year, beaches across the region will feature updated signage using a simple three colour system designed to help visitors quickly understand water conditions. Green indicates water is considered safe for swimming, yellow means swimming is not advised because of elevated bacteria levels, and red indicates a beach closure due to unsafe conditions.
Public health officials say water quality can change rapidly due to rainfall, wildlife, stormwater runoff, wave activity, and hot weather conditions. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illness along with skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections.
While Lakelands Public Health oversees municipal beach testing throughout Northumberland, testing is also conducted separately at major regional destinations including Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton and Sandbanks Provincial Park in Prince Edward County through provincial park monitoring programs.
Residents are encouraged to avoid swimming during and for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall and to check beach conditions online before visiting local waterfronts.
Beach monitoring results will be updated regularly throughout the summer season running from June 15 through August 31.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
