Beach Water Monitoring Program Launching June 17th
Residents and visitors encouraged to visit hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck before swimming at public beaches.
PORT HOPE, ON (June 13, 2024) – As the summer season approaches, the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) will be launching its Beach Water Monitoring program, providing regular E. coli test results across 56 monitored public beaches within the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
The annual HKPR District Health Unit Beach Water Monitoring program will run from June 17 to August 30, 2024. This program tests water at designated beaches and informs the community if elevated levels of E. coli bacteria are detected. Public Health staff from the HKPR District Health Unit collect water samples from each beach, which are then sent to a provincial lab for E. coli testing.
Results from the Beach Water Monitoring program will be updated every Friday on the HKPR District Health Unit’s webpage hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck and social media platforms @HKPRDHU. Additionally, warning signs will be prominently displayed at local beaches to inform beachgoers about water safety.
In 2022, HKPR District Health Unit adopted a three-colour system to report beach results:
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LOW RISK |
The beach is open and safe for swimming. |
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MODERATE RISK |
Serves as a warning that high bacteria counts may be present in the water, and swimming is not advised at that time to prevent potential illness. If individuals choose to swim, they are advised to avoid submerging their heads or swallowing water. |
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HIGH RISK
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Indicates that a beach is closed due to elevated levels of bacteria, rendering it unsafe for swimming. |
“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.”
More Public Health Information
The HKPR District Health Unit encourages residents and visitors to review the Beach Water Monitoring results by visiting hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck or by following us on Facebook, Instagram and/or X (Twitter) @HKPRDHU.
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Media Contacts: Ashley Beaulac, Communications Manager, HKPR District Health Unit, abeaulac@hkpr.on.ca, 1-866-888-4577 x 1212 or Bernie Mayer, Manager of Health Protection, HKPR District health Unit, 1-866-888-4577 x 1243.
About the Haliburton, Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides important public health programs and services to residents in Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. Our dedicated team of public health professionals, led by our Medical Officer of Health, promote healthy living, protect against disease, and prevent illness and injury. We work with health care providers and community partners to address emerging health issues, service gaps and social inequities to support residents in being well and reaching their full potential. Our values of trust, engagement, accountability, and leadership guide what we do every day. Learn more at www.hkpr.on.ca.