“Water quality information is updated regularly by Ottawa Public Health (OPH) and is available on the City’s website and through on-site signage,” said Dan Chenier, GM of recreation, cultural and facility services for the City of Ottawa, is quoted as saying in a release.
Starting this year, the city will be taking beach water samples to test for E. coli bacteria weekly instead of daily.
The new policy aligns with
the approach taken by most public health units in Ontario, as well as the National Capital Commission, Ottawa Public Health says.
The testing results and other swimmer information are available on the city’s Beach Water Quality page.
For example, the most recent readings indicate Petrie East Bay beach had the highest levels of E. coli on Wednesday, with 954 E. coli per 100 mL of water.
“Swimmers are encouraged to use this information to make informed personal decisions about entering the water. OPH also provides guidance to help reduce health risks, such as
avoiding swimming after heavy rainfall,
keeping your head above water and
showering after swimming.”
Similar to previous “no-swim advisory” days, “the decision to swim remains a matter of personal discretion.”
Lifeguards will be on duty during regular hours, “
including when water test results indicate that swimming is not recommended.”
In addition to their regular duties, they are available to answer questions and direct residents and visitors to posted signage and online resources.”
The city is also modifying their flag system at the beaches.
The flags will be used to indicate the designated swimming area during lifeguard supervision hours:
- Red over yellow flags – Indicate the designated supervised swimming area.
- Green flag – Lifeguards are supervising the designated swimming area.
- Red flag – Lifeguards are not supervising the designated swimming area.
