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Based on beach water testing results taken on August 14, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents and visitors to the Township of Severn that a swimming advisory is in place at the Washago Centennial Park beach as E. Coli levels currently exceed the recreational guidelines. The beach will be posted with signs informing park users of the swimming advisory.
What is a swimming advisory?
During a swimming advisory, the beach is posted with warning signs indicating that the most recent water samples showed bacteria in numbers that may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections or stomach illness. If you choose to swim during a swimming advisory, avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water.
About beach water testing
Every summer between June and September, the SMDHU collects water samples each week from public beaches within Simcoe and Muskoka, including at Washago Centennial Park beach.
In Ontario, water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria and the beach may be posted when bacteria levels exceed the recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres (mL) of water.
For further information, call Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721-7520.
Links to information and updates about beach water testing are available on the SMDHU website.
Contact
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Phone: 1-877-721-7520
Notification sent via email to Township of Severn, August 14, 2024.