By Pam Wright The Journal There are far fewer incidents of high bacteria counts in local waters this summer thanks to our hot, dry summer and improved septic system and farm management practices.
By Pam Wright
The Journal
There are far fewer incidents of high bacteria counts in local waters this summer thanks to our hot, dry summer and improved septic system and farm management practices.
Area beaches have been plagued in the past with multiple postings to warn swimmers to stay out of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River.
In 2011, there were 10 postings and five postings has been the norm in more recent years. But this summer has seen only two so far.
One was at Highland Glen in early June and the other was at Bright’s Grove mid-July.
The region’s exceptionally hot, dry summer has a lot to do with our cleaner waters, says public health inspector Theresa Warren.
“So far, so good,” she said. “Hopefully it goes on like that.”
The most recent test results issued by Lambton Public Health on August 12 indicated no high bacteria counts yet again.
The season’s lack of rain and wind is the best explanation for the absence of E. coli, Warren said, adding turbulent weather stirs up bacteria on the lake’s bottom.
This year’s low counts are good news for swimmers since E. coli can lead to a nasty array of irritations such as eye, ear, throat and skin infections, as well as upset stomach and diarrhea.
Geoff Peach, a manager with the Goderich-based Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation, said hot, dry weather accounts for the clean water, as bright sunlight is the best sanitizer.
“Our continual stretch of sunshine and the lack of rain has really helped this year,” Peach said.
“UV radiation is cleaning the water for us.”
Better farming practices and conservation efforts are also helping improve quality, he said.
“We’re making progress in pollution control,” Peach noted.
In Lambton, routine water sampling is carried out by the health unit at seven different locations including: Canatara Park; Bright’s Grove, including Mike Weir Park; Highland Glen; Ipperwash’s main beach; Pinery Provincial Park and the north and south beaches at Grand Bend.
While no samples are taken in the St. Clair River, caution signs advising of high bacterial levels following heavy rains are permanently in place at Seager Park, south of Courtright, Branton Cundick Park at Sombra, and Brander Park at Port Lambton.
Beach water quality information is available 24-hours-a-day by calling Beach Water Quality Information line 519-383-3816, toll free 1-800-667-1830 ext. 3816 or by visiting www.lambtonhealth.on.ca
