As summer arrives, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is set to launch its annual Beach Water Monitoring program on June 17, 2024.
This program aims to ensure safe swimming conditions across 56 public beaches within Haliburton County, Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County by regularly testing for E. coli bacteria.
Each week, HKPR District Health Unit staff will collect water samples from designated beaches, sending them to a provincial lab for testing. Results will be updated every Friday on hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck and the Health Unit’s social media platforms.
Beaches will also display clear, colour-coded warning signs to inform visitors of water safety levels: green for low risk, yellow for moderate risk, and red for high risk.
“Our Beach Water Monitoring program tests 56 public beaches weekly for levels of E. coli that can be potentially dangerous to one’s health,” said Bernie Mayer, Health Protection Manager, with the HKPR District Health Unit. “Our 2022 Resident Survey showed that 69 percent of respondents did not review the beach water test results before entering the water. Enjoy your summer but please also prioritize your health by staying informed.”
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
