The number of midwestern Ontario beaches dealing with high E.coli levels has risen dramatically.
Routine water quality testing by Huron Perth Public Health has found elevated bacteria levels at Amberley Beach, Township Park, Port Albert, Sunset Beach, Rotary Cove Beach, St. Christopher's Beach, Goderich Main Beach, Blacks Point Beach, Pier Beach, Houston Heights, St. Josephs, and Hay Township Park.
People are urged to stay out of the water at those 12 beaches for the time being. Swimming when high levels of bacteria are present can cause minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections or stomach illness. Symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
The recent sweltering heat and rainfall earlier in the week likely contributed to the high E.coli levels, as warm, unsettled weather is one of the known contributors to increased bacteria in beach water.
The health unit will advise when the beaches are cleared for swimming.
Earlier this week, a similar warning was issued by Grey Bruce Public Health for Southampton Beach after it's water tested high for E.coli bacteria.
