Six beaches near Ottawa ‘not suitable for swimming’
Posted Jul 28, 2024 07:45:46 AM.
Last Updated Jul 28, 2024 07:48:42 AM.
Health officials are advising people to stay out of the water at six beaches near Ottawa because of high levels of bacteria.
The Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark District Health Unit says it has found elevated levels of E.coli at the Almonte beach, Riverside beach and Centennial beach in Carleton Place, Merrickville beach, Bellamy Park beach in Kitley, and Dalhousie Lake in Lanark Highlands.
Kim McCann, the manager of community heath protection says heavy rains cause soils containing feces from geese, dogs and other animals to wash into the water and leads to higher bacteria levels.
She says ingesting the water could lead to stomach issues, or possibly ear, nose and eye infections.
While the beaches are not closed, health officials are warning the public to stay away until bacteria levels are within a safe range.
