On May 18 the Renfrew County and District Health Unit began regular water quality testing at each of the 29 public beaches in Renfrew County and District. In addition to these beach sites and in response to the recent local flooding, a number of other locations in the hardest hit flood areas have also been sampled a number of times. The Health Unit is pleased to report that sample results show that the flooding did not have a lasting adverse effect on area beaches and waterways. All 29 beaches are currently open for recreational use.
There are two beaches in Whitewater Region that are checked by the health unit – Muskrat Lake at Cobden Beach and Stephenson Lakes at Little Lakes Beach.
Public beaches are sampled on a weekly basis throughout the summer months.
Before heading out to beaches or local waterways, bathers should consider the following:
• Check the Health Unit’s website at www.rcdhu.com to see if the beach you want to visit is open.
• If the beach is posted as being unsafe due to high bacteria levels, swimming is not recommended.
• If there has been heavy rain within the last 24-48 hours, swimming is not recommended.
• If the water is cloudy due to heavy winds or flooding, swimming is not recommended until conditions clear.
If there are other health and safety risks present such as blue-green algae, heavy weed growth, fish kills or physical hazards, swimming must be avoided.
For further information please visit our website or contact the Environmental Health department at 613 735-8654, extension 555.
