press release

Lambton Public Health’s Annual Beach Water Quality Monitoring In Progress

Point Edward, ON – On May 31, Lambton Public Health began its 2021 water quality monitoring program at public beaches in Lambton County.

Water quality reports will indicate if the water is safe to access. Signs will be displayed to reflect the status of each public beach:

  • Posted – Warning sign displayed. Unsafe for swimming as high levels of bacteria in the waters may pose a risk to your health.
  • Not posted – Caution sign displayed. No water quality issues but continue to monitor for changes. Cloudy water caused by high wave activity and heavy rainfall may contain high levels of bacteria.

Some beach restrictions will be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Remember to follow these public health safety measures to stay safe:

  • Respect any closed off facilities and equipment.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • A maximum of 5 people or less is permitted for outdoor gatherings – this will change dependent on what step Ontario is on in its reopening plan.
  • Practice physical distancing of at least 2 metres.
  • Wash or sanitize your hands regularly especially prior to consuming food.

Lambton County beach-goers will be able to access water quality results from our predictive beach-water sampling system and water sample lab analysis.

For water quality status reports:

Beaches monitored daily (Monday-Friday) using predictive models:

  • Grand Bend (North Beach)
  • Grand Bend (South Beach)
  • Ipperwash Main Beach
  • Pinery Provincial Park
  • C.J. McEwen Beach
  • Bright’s Grove (including Mike Weir Park)
  • Canatara Park

No sampling occurs along the St. Clair River; however, a caution sign, advising of high bacteria levels following heavy rainfall, has been permanently placed at:

  • Branton Cundick Park
  • Brander Park
  • Seager Park

Monitoring continues until the end of August.

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Please contact:

LPH-media-inquiries@county-lambton.on.ca

Related resources:

Beach water quality monitoring program in Lambton

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