Beachgoers in the Ottawa area have barely had to avoid the water this summer after weeks of E. coli tests showed low levels at the city’s monitored beaches.
Katie Alambo, a biologist with Ottawa Riverkeeper, says that while it’s hard to predict a trend from summer to summer, this season is shaping up to be much better than last.
“So far so good. The majority of the beaches have been tested really well,” Alambo said.
E.coli is a bacteria found in the digestive tract of animals, and when found in water, it is an indication of fecal contamination that, if ingested in large quantities, can make people sick.
Ottawa Riverkeeper biologist Cathy Alambo says some of the beaches in Gatineau are located in closer proximity to some of the combined sewer flows, which could pose an increased 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.
While the City of Ottawa has its own testing system, Ottawa Riverkeeper provides additional testing for NCC beaches in Gatineau such as Lac Leamy.
Alambo said water quality can change rapidly from day to day depending on factors such as bird populations, high temperatures and heavy rainfall.
“That’s why we’re really advocating, especially in more urban municipalities, for more regular testing of beaches like Lac Leamy.”
Olivia MacAskill, water quality assistant with Ottawa Riverkeeper, says she’s been running tests since mid-May and most of the results have come back safe for swimming for NCC recreational waters so far this summer. (Celeste Decaire/CBC)
The City of Ottawa tests four beaches each day: Britannia Beach, Petrie Island East Bay, Petrie Island River Beaches and Mooney Bay. Westboro Beach is closed for the 2022 season due to a redevelopment project by NCC.
Kathy Downie, program manager for safe food and water for the city of Ottawa, said the city has been lucky this year and hasn’t had to post many days when beaches are not recommended for swimming.
By the end of summer 2021, the City of Ottawa has issued over 60 non-swimming days for its beaches open to the public.
By the middle of this summer, Downey says there were very few unsafe days to swim.
“Britannia was twice, Petrie River once and Petrie East Bay was twice due to E.coli or rain.”
Mooney 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 elevated E. coli levels by not encouraging the bird population.
“Don’t feed the birds or leave litter on the beaches.
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