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The Ottawa Public Health samples beach water regularly from June to the end of August. The water is tested for E. coli bacteria. When high levels of E. coli are detected in beach water, other disease-causing organisms are likely to be present and may pose a risk to your health. The public beach at Petrie Island was closed 11 of 71 days due to high E-coli readings in 2005. A “no swimming advisory” is issued if bacteria levels are over 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water tested or if they are over 100 E. coli per 100 ml of water tested on two or more consecutive days.
As the population grows the effluents from sewage treatment plants, as well as polluted urban runoff and untreated municipal stormwater have emerged as prime contributors to local water quality problems throughout the watershed.
For more information on water quality, please click here