Health unit to end monthly water sampling at Nipissing and Parry Sound beaches

After an internal assessment, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has decided end monthly beach water sampling of E. coli bacteria levels. (Eric Taschner/CTV News)

Beachgoers in the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts will see new signs at public beaches this summer to help them make an informed decision before entering the water.

After an internal assessment, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit has decided end monthly beach water sampling of E. coli bacteria levels.

Instead, the health unit will inform the public about risk and protection factors through the signs at public beaches.

Officials said that by the time test results have been received, the data is out of date.

Outdated information

“Water sampling provides a snapshot of bacteria levels at a single point in time,” said the health unit’s Brent Allen.

“By the time results are available several days later, the water conditions have changed.”

Allen said bacteria levels in beach water can change quickly due to factors such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, wave action or droppings from ducks, geese and other birds.

“The new signage provides guidance when and where people need it most, which we couldn’t offer with monthly sampling,” he said.

While the health risk of swimming at a public beach in its region is low, it can be reduced even further when people take precautions.

The new signs recommend beachgoers check the water for physical hazards, avoid getting beach water in the mouth, dry the body well with a towel after exiting the water and wash or sanitize hands before eating.

There are about 60 public beaches in the health unit’s service area that meet the provincial definition of a public beach that will have the signs posted.

The health unit said it will continue to investigate public complaints and may collect water samples at public beaches when safety concerns are reported.

In addition, communicating information on harmful blue-green algal blooms will continue.

Anyone with safety concerns pertaining to the water quality of a public beach is encouraged to contact the Health Unit’s Environmental Health program at 1-800-563-2808 Ext. 5400.

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