Based on water samples taken by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health on August 10, a swimming advisory is in effect for Port Sydney Beach.
Health Risks
During a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating that the most recent water samples showed bacteria in numbers that may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections and stomach illnesses. The Health Unit advises that if you choose to swim during a swimming advisory, you avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water.
Testing
Every summer between June and September (Labour Day weekend), the health unit collects water samples from public beaches in Simcoe and Muskoka. Water samples are collected on a weekly basis, but according to the health unit, sampling frequencies may be reduced to monthly when historical data indicates water quality was consistently good during the previous sampling season. Beach sampling frequencies are also altered based on environmental conditions such as inclement weather and poor air quality.
In Ontario, water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria and the beach may be posted when bacteria levels exceed the recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100 mL of water.
Beaches may also be unsafe due to excessive weed growth, oil, floating debris, turbidity, and blue-green algae blooms. In addition to water sampling, Public Health also conducts observational safety assessments as part of their summer beach program.
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