August 2, 2006

All three beaches at Boulevard Lake have been posted with swimming advisories because tests taken yesterday have come back with high e-coli levels. 

“It is not unusual for heavy rains to create this situation,” explains Darlene Binette, Manager of Infectious Disease Programs at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit “Bird feces on lakeshores wash into the water and create a higher counts of bacteria.”

Repeat testing has been done today with the results due on Thursday.

Chippewa main beach remains under a swimming advisory that began on July 19th.

Public Health Inspectors routinely sample beaches once a week in the city and once a month in the district from mid June to the end of August. They may sample more often when conditions warrant.  Other area beaches are tested by Lakehead Region Conservation Authority or Ontario Parks. Up-to-date Beach Status can be found at the Health Unit website www.tbdhu.com.

E.coli levels are monitored. High levels of E.coli level in swimming water may cause health related problems in swimmers. Based on test results, the Health Unit will issue an advisory or closure.
The Health Unit also receives reports of swimmers itch and advises that anyone swimming in any lake or river should assume that they should take precautions for swimmers itch once it is reported in the season.

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