Latest news with #beachadvisory
CTV News
a day ago
- Health
- CTV News
Here's how DNA testing helps numerous beaches grapple high bacteria levels
It's certainly been a summer suited for swimming, but numerous local beaches have been grappling with high bacteria, forcing swim advisories. Here's how the City of Orillia is now turning to DNA testing to identify the cause. While Orillia's two beaches were open for swimming on Monday, that has often not been the case this summer. 'I don't really even want to put my feet in the water with the number of warnings that are around here,' said one local to CTV News. The city and local health unit issue swim advisories each time E. coli levels exceed 200 E. coli per 100 milliliters in Lake Couchiching Beach Park. But the city has responded by taking a deep dive to try and understand what's contaminating the waters of Couchiching Beach and Moose Beach, looking at not just the quantity of contamination but also where it's coming from. Couchiching Beach Park Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia Ont. (CTV News/Rob Cooper) Greg Preston, Orillia director of environmental services, says, 'There are four sources we're looking at. One is seagulls, the next is geese, the next is dogs, and the last is humans, human waste.' Staff have been taking DNA samples on three dry weather days and three wet weather days and getting them analyzed by water scientist Dr. Tom Edge. He says that, according to his initial findings, the contamination has been mostly coming from the sky. Dr. Tom Edge says, 'What we have found are DNA sequences of bacteria from the seagull gut and DNA from Canada geese as well. There's no question that there's bird fecal contamination at the beach that's contributing to the E. coli.' While the city has an $18,500 budget for the study, the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition fears that future costs could be even greater to keep Lake Couchiching clean. The city says it will take several weeks to get the results back from their samples. Staff will then report their findings and make other recommendations to council.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Chestermere Lake water quality advisory no longer in place: AHS
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has lifted a water quality advisory for Chestermere Lake's Cove Beach. The advisory was issued on Aug. 8 after 'elevated levels' of fecal bacteria were found in the water. People were asked not to swim or wade in the Cove Beach area until further notice. On Friday, AHS issued an update saying fecal bacteria levels had 'returned to an acceptable level.' 'As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir, at any time,' AHS said.
Yahoo
12-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Several beaches in Bay County are under a health advisory due to water quality
PANAMA CITY — Four local beaches are under health advisories for a high abundance of a fecal indicator bacteria. Carl Gray Park, Earl Gilbert Park, Laguna Beach and the Panama City Beach City Pier were all ranked as poor for levels of enterococcus bacteria. Carl Gray Park has been under an advisory since July 21. The advisory is new for all other affected locations. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is advising against any water-related activities at these locations. Enterococci bacteria live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and are used as an indicator of potential fecal contamination of surface waters. The Environmental Protection Agency says leaky septic systems, stormwater runoff, effluent from wastewater treatment plants, discharge from boats, and agricultural runoff are all sources of fecal indicator bacteria. The News Herald previously reported that aging wastewater infrastructure in Bay County can sometimes lead to sanitary sewer overflows, especially during extreme rain events. While the bacteria itself isn't harmful to people, it indicates that other pathogens that can cause sickness are present. Swimming isn't the only way to be exposed; eating raw fish or shellfish from affected waters can also cause illness. Being in affected waters could lead to gastrointestinal disease, infections, or rashes, according to the Florida Healthy Beaches Program. Bay County advises residents to have septic tanks pumped and inspected every three to five years to prevent leaking. They also ask that pet waste be flushed or thrown into the garbage. The county also advises that lawn chemicals be used wisely and that fertilizer be used sparingly. They say that excess fertilizer flows downstream and often results in algae blooms in ponds and lakes. This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Bacteria levels spur health advisories on Bay County beaches Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
NJ beach advisories: 6 Jersey Shore beaches under water quality alerts
Six beaches in Monmouth and Ocean counties are under water quality advisories after health authorities found high levels of a bacteria common in feces in water samples collected this week. Each beach had high levels of Enterococcus, a microbe found in feces of humans and animals. High levels of the bacteria can result from sewage leaks, stormwater runoff, or wildlife and pet waste washing into streams and rivers. As of Aug. 6, these beaches had bacteria levels higher than what New Jersey environmental officials considers safe for swimming, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection. Keyport beach near Broad Street. Shrewsbury River Yacht Club in Fair Haven. Windward Beach in Brick. Cedar Bridge Manor Park in Brick. Cedar Point in South Toms River. Beachwood's beach, which will remain closed for the season due to chronically elevated bacteria levels. Despite the water quality advisories, the areas remain open to swimming as of Aug. 6. Swimming in water contaminated with bacteria can lead to several types of illnesses, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and infections of the ears, nose, eyes or throat. Health officials urge people not to swim near stormwater outflow pipes or in water that smells or is discolored. Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 17 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@ or 732-557-5701. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Bacteria counts trigger warning at 6 Jersey Shore beaches Solve the daily Crossword
CTV News
31-07-2025
- Climate
- CTV News
Algal bloom, E. coli advisories at several Manitoba beaches
Manitobans are being reminded to check the water conditions at beaches ahead of the long weekend, after high levels of E. coli and algae blooms were reported. According to the province's most recent beach report, several Manitoba beaches have tested positive for higher levels of E. coli bacteria, including West Grand Beach on Lake Winnipeg. The E. coli level was briefly above the acceptable level at Victoria, Lester, East Grand and Patricia beaches when tested on July 22, but returned to acceptable levels on the 24th. Advisory signs have been posted at the five beaches. Excess concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus cause algal blooms to form on water, the province noted. Most beaches monitored by the province were within recreational water quality levels. The province added algal blooms have been discovered at several beaches, including Brereton Lake South, Lake Minnedosa, Hoopers Lake, Rivers Reservoir, Stephenfield Reservoir, Plum Coulee and Sandy Lake. Signs have been posted to warn visitors. Manitobans are reminded to avoid swimming in water where algal blooms are visible and to ensure pets don't drink the water where the blooms are present.
