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Port Stanley beaches closed due to E. coli risk
Global News
Maddy Boyko, a health inspector with the Southwestern Public Health Unit, says swimming while exposure is high can be dangerous.
The Southwestern Public Health Unit has announced that Port Stanley, Ont.’s beaches are not safe to swim at due to high levels of bacteria.
The Main Beach, Little Beach and Erie Rest all tested red for E. coli this past Wednesday.
During the summer months, water testing is done weekly by health unit inspectors. Water is collected, then tested for levels of the bacteria, which can indicate fecal contamination in the water.
Maddy Boyko, a health inspector with the Southwestern Public Health Unit, says swimming while exposure is high can be dangerous.
“E. coli is a disease-causing organism. So it can cause intestinal illness if ingested, or infections in the eyes, nose, ears and throat,” she explained.
“Especially for the little ones, the kids who like to splash and drink water, things like that are an even higher risk for them.”
Recreational water quality guidelines indicate that anything over 200 E.coli per 100 millilitres of water is unsafe for swimming.
Typically, weather conditions, such as heavy rain, can cause an increase in bacteria.