E. coli count causes unsafe swimming conditions at Toronto beaches

Jul 17 2017, 8:16 pm

Toronto beaches aren’t getting much action this summer.

Over the weekend, E. coli levels at 6 of Toronto’s 11 beaches reached unsafe levels with the most extreme case occurring at Kew-Balmy Beach on Friday, July 14, where E. coli counts peaked at 2478–for reference, the standard for beach water quality set by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is 100 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water.

Per the City of Toronto website,

Swimming in water with E.coli levels greater than the provincial standard exposes the bather to increased risk of infections. These infections can include:

  • Ear, nose and throat infections
  • Skin rashes
  • Upset stomach
  • Diarrhea

Those most susceptible to infections from harmful germs in polluter water include young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

toronto beaches

Kew-Balmy Beach/City of Toronto

Beach water samples are taken and tested every day from June through August at all of Toronto’s 11 public beaches as heavy rains and high water levels in Lake Ontario can cause unsafe conditions.

As of Saturday, July 15, Marie Curtis Park East BeachSunnyside BeachCherry BeachWoodbine BeachesKew Balmy Beach, and Bluffer’s Beach Park were all deemed unsafe for swimming too.

The four beaches on the Toronto Islands, are all reporting safe swimming conditions but aren’t expected to open to the public until this August as the Islands recuperate from intense springtime flooding.

Looking for the nearest outdoor pool? We got you.

See also

DH Toronto StaffDH Toronto Staff

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