Toronto Beaches Issue Swim Advisory due to High Bacteria Levels in Lake Ontario

Toronto, July 14, 2023 – The City of Toronto has identified three beaches as unsafe for swimming due to elevated levels of bacteria in Lake Ontario. Marie Curtis Park East in Mississauga, Sunnyside Beach in downtown Toronto, and Kew Balmy Beach in the Beaches area have been labeled as “unsafe to swim” ahead of the upcoming weekend.

The bacteria in question is E. coli, which can cause various illnesses such as diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, pneumonia, and other health issues, as highlighted by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention.

Water quality data from the city indicates that the E. coli levels are expected to exceed 100 per 100ml of water, which poses a potential risk to human health. These readings were based on beach water samples taken on Thursday, following heavy rainfall that occurred in the city. The city advises against swimming after storms, floods, and significant precipitation events.

The city’s website states that cloudy water can serve as an indication of high bacteria levels, which may pose health risks.

Data for Hanlan’s Point, Gibraltar Point, and Centre Island beaches was not available, and thus no advisory has been issued for these locations at the moment.

It is recommended that beachgoers pay attention to the city’s advisories and exercise caution when swimming in Lake Ontario until the water quality improves.