Four of seven beaches in Chatham-Kent currently have high levels of E. Coli bacteria.
Chatham-Kent (CK) Public Health (CKPHU) reported Getty's Beach by the Wheatley pier, Erieau Public Beach, Howard Township Beach, and Mitchell's Bay Beach have tested high for E. Coli bacteria.
CKPHU said the samples taken on Monday showed that Clearville Beach, Pier Road Beach, and Bates Beach all have low levels of bacteria and are safe for swimming.
CK Public Health said the results reflect only the conditions present at the time of sampling and cannot reliably predict what conditions will be later that day or the next day.
Local public health officials encourage beach goers to check beach conditions before entering the water.
“Water quality can change quickly due to weather, waves, runoff, wildlife, and other environmental conditions,” said Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, Medical Officer of Health for CK Public Health. “A water sample provides a snapshot of conditions at the exact moment it was collected, however, water quality can change within hours. Before entering the water, people should look at current conditions and make an informed decision for themselves and their families.”
E. Coli is one of the microorganisms that can cause gastrointestinal disease with associated nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Officials at the public health unit don't recommend swimming after a heavy rainfall or if conditions have been windy and wavy in the last 24-48 hours. Swimming is also not recommended if there is a large number of waterfowl, dead fish, algae/scum, or dangerous debris at the beach, or if the water is so cloudy that swimmers can't see their feet at adult waist depth because all of the above can elevate one's risk of getting sick, said CK Public Health.
