Beachgoers in the Ottawa region hardly had to avoid the water this summer after weeks of testing E. coli that show low levels on the city’s controlled beaches.
Ottawa Riverkeeper biologist Katy Alambo says that while it’s hard to predict a trend from summer to summer, this season appears to be much better than last.
“So far, everything is going well. Most of the beaches have been testing very well,” Alambo said.
E.coli is a bacteria found in the digestive tract of animals, and when present in water is an indication of fecal contamination that, if ingested in large quantities, can make people sick.
Ottawa Riverkeeper biologist Katy Alambo says some of Gatineau’s beaches are closer to some of the combined sewer outlets, which can pose a greater risk of contamination. (Celeste Decaire/CBC)
The National Capital Commission (NCC) and the City of Ottawa follow Health Canada guidelines to determine what levels of E. coli are safe for swimming. Anything below 200 colony forming units of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water is considered safe.
Although the City of Ottawa has its own testing system, Ottawa Riverkeeper offers additional testing for NCC beaches in Gatineau such as Lac Leamy.
Alambo said water quality can change quickly from day to day depending on factors such as bird populations, warm temperatures and heavy rainfall.
“That’s why we’re really advocating, especially in more urban municipalities, for more regular testing at beaches like Lac Leamy.”
Ottawa Riverkeeper water quality assistant Olivia Macaskill says she’s been conducting tests since mid-May and most results have come back safe for swimming in NCC recreational waters so far this summer. (Celeste Decaire/CBC)
The City of Ottawa tests four beaches daily: Britannia Beach, Petrie Island East Bay, Petrie Island River Beaches and Mooney’s Bay. Westboro Beach is closed for the 2022 season due to an NCC redevelopment project.
Kathy Downey, director of the City of Ottawa’s Safe Food and Water Program, said the city has been lucky this year and hasn’t had to post many days where beaches are not recommended for swimming.
By the end of summer 2021, the City of Ottawa had issued more than 60 non-advised days for swimming at its public beaches.
Now halfway through this summer, Downey says the days of unsafe swimming are long gone.
“Britannia was twice, Petrie River once and Petrie East Bay was twice due to E.coli or rain.”
Mooney’s Bay has remained safe for swimming since the city began testing on June 18. Downey said people visiting the city’s beaches can help reduce the potential for high levels of E. coli by not encouraging the bird population.
“Don’t feed the birds and don’t leave litter on the beaches.”