Beach Water Quality Update: Port Sydney Advisory LiftedBeach Water Quality Update: Port Sydney Advisory Lifted As of July 4, 2024, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has lifted the swimming advisory for Port Sydney Beach, which was in effect since June 25. Water Testing Throughout the summer months, the health department conducts regular water sampling at public beaches in the Simcoe and Muskoka regions. Water samples are tested for *E. coli* bacteria, and beaches may be placed under an advisory if bacteria levels exceed the recreational water quality guideline of 200 *E. coli* per 100 ml of water. Health Risks During a swimming advisory, the presence of elevated bacteria levels increases the risk of developing mild infections, such as skin, eye, ear, nose, throat infections, and stomach ailments. The health department advises against immersing your head or swallowing water while swimming during an advisory. For More Information Visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website (SMDHU.org) for more information about beach water testing and safety assessments. Stay Informed Subscribe to the health unit’s email digest to receive updates on beach water quality and other health-related news in the Simcoe and Muskoka regions. Support Local News Support local journalism by contributing to local news outlets. Your support ensures that important stories like these continue to be reported.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has lifted the June 25 swimming advisory for Port Sydney Beach, effective July 4, 2024.
To test
Each summer between June and September (Labour Day weekend), the health department collects water samples from public beaches in Simcoe and Muskoka. Water samples are collected weekly, but the health department says sampling rates may be reduced to monthly when historical data indicates water quality was consistently good during the previous sampling season. Beach sampling rates are also adjusted based on environmental conditions such as inclement weather and poor air quality.
In Ontario, water samples are being tested for E. coli bacteria and the beach may be placed when bacteria levels exceed the recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water.
Beaches can also be unsafe due to excessive weed growth, oil, floating debris, turbidity, and blue-green algae blooms. In addition to water sampling, Public Health also conducts observational safety assessments as part of their summer beach program.
Health risks
During a swimming advisory, warning signs are placed at the beach indicating that the most recent water samples showed levels of bacteria that could increase your risk of developing mild skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections and stomach ailments. The Health Unit advises that if you decide to swim during a swimming advisory, you should avoid immersing your head or swallowing water.
For more information about beach water testing, please visit SMDHU.org.
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