HKPR District Health Unit Launches Beach Water Monitoring Program for 2023 Season
Residents and visitors encouraged to review test results for E. coli before swimming at public beaches.
PORT HOPE, ON (June 6, 2023) – 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 the 53 monitored public beaches within County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
The annual HKPR District Health Unit Beach Water Monitoring program begins June 12 and runs until September 4, 2023 (Labour Day) to test waters at designated beaches and inform the public when elevated levels of E. coli bacteria are identified. As part of this program, HKPR District Health Unit public health staff collect water samples from each beach for monitoring. These samples are then sent to a provincial lab and tested for levels of E. coli bacteria.
The Beach Water Monitoring program results will be updated every Friday on the HKPR District Health Unit’s website hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck and social media platforms @HKPRDHU. In addition, 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:
LOW RISK
The beach is open and safe for swimming.
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.
HIGH RISK
Indicates that a beach is closed due to elevated levels of bacteria, rendering it unsafe for swimming.
“It’s alarming to discover that a significant number of beachgoers fail to check our beach water test results before they enter the water,” said Bernie Mayer, Health Protection Manager for the HKPR District Health Unit. “Our 2022 Resident Survey revealed that 69 per cent of respondents did not check the beach water test results before entering the water. Please, enjoy your summer but also prioritize your health. Stay informed, check our website before swimming and have fun!”
More Public Health Information
The HKPR District Health Unit encourages residents and visitors to review the Beach Water Monitoring results on its website hkpr.on.ca/BeachCheck and social media platforms @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, ext. 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.