Many local residents will be hitting the beach on this, the first official weekend of summer.
The Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit tests the water for e-coli levels at the municipality’s seven beaches three times over the summer, with samples collected at each beach sent to an Ontario Public Health Laboratory for analysis.
Results are posted on the municipality’s website and on advisory signs at each public beach.
Swimming in water with high levels of bacteria and other germs can make us sick if we accidentally swallow water, or cause infections if germs come in contact with open sores.
Public beaches in Chatham-Kent may also be closed because of chemical, oil, sewage or waste spills, algae blooms, fish or other wildlife die offs, or other safety hazards.
The first round of testing, conducted on June 13th, shows good water quality at all of the publicly-maintained beaches in Chatham-Kent.
However, officials say water quality can change quickly, depending on weather conditions.
