Health Unit Weekly Beach Results – August 23, 2024

Brockville – Here are the weekly beach results for this week from the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.

Twenty-four local beaches will be monitored weekly throughout the summer season from June 28 to August 30, 2024.

The following beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming this week:

Caution – The water is not recommended for swimming. The latest bacterial tests of the water indicated unacceptable levels of bacteria.

• Carleton Place – Riverside
• Carleton Place – Centennial
• Lanark Highlands – Lanark Beach
• Leeds and the 1000 Islands – Kendrick’s Park
• Mississippi Mills – Almonte Beach
• North Elmsley – Rideau Ferry Yacht Club
• Rideau Lakes – Portland Campbell Street Beach

What Do the Beach Results Mean?

• OPEN – The latest bacterial test of the water indicated acceptable levels of bacteria and can be used for swimming and other recreation purposes.
• CAUTION – The water is not recommended for swimming. The latest bacterial tests of the water indicated unacceptable levels of bacteria.
• CLOSED – DO NOT USE The beach is closed for recreational use due to an identified health hazard/condition that makes the beach unsafe for use.
• N/A – Results are not available.

The beach results are updated once weekly throughout the summer season.

While the Health Unit strives to alert swimmers when conditions are not suitable for swimming, the public must be aware that conditions may change, and that there is always a level of risk when swimming in untreated water.

1. Cloudy water from high winds causing waves or following a heavy rainfall can be an indication of high levels of bacteria which may pose a health and safety risk as you may be unable to see what is in the water.
2. Shallow, sheltered and warm water may also contain high levels of bacteria.
3. If there are a high number of geese or bird feces on the beach we would recommend not swimming as often time the feces from the birds will contaminate the water.
4. Dirty water from storm sewers and the streets that washes into the river or lake after a rain storm.
5. Faulty or overwork septic systems, agricultural runoff and sewage treatment plant bypasses.
6. Blue-green algae are tiny, plant-like organisms that also can be found in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Blooms usually appear in late summer and in the early fall especially in areas where the water shallow, slow moving and warm however blooms can also be found in deeper, cooler water. They can cause skin rashes if you come in contact with it, as well as stomach issues if you drink it. They can also be toxic to pets. Blue-green algae blooms can range from green, blue, and even red and yellow. They can be cloudy, even foamy or soapy or look like a film

For more information about our beach testing program, visit: https://bit.ly/LGLBeaches