One of seven beaches across Chatham-Kent has tested high for E. Coli bacteria.
Chatham-Kent Public Health (CKPHU) reported Clearville Beach tested high this week for E. Coli bacteria and is not safe for swimming, but the rest tested low and are safe for swimming.
CKPHU said the July 14, 2025 water samples showed that Getty's Beach by the Wheatley pier, Mitchell's Bay Beach, Erieau Public Beach, Howard Township Beach, Pier Road Beach, and Bates Beach all have low levels of bacteria and are safe for swimming.
Health unit officials said the beach water testing season is now underway and public health inspectors will be sampling water for E. Coli from seven local beaches monthly until September.
Local public health officials said there is a risk of injury or illness resulting from swimming in water containing high levels of E. Coli bacteria.
"Water quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour depending on the weather and other conditions," said CK Public Health. "Beach goers are encouraged to make an informed decision about beach quality in real time before you go swimming. You are the best judge of whether the water is safe."
Public Health officials are recommending the public not swim if there has been a heavy rainfall or if conditions have been windy and wavy in the last 24-48 hours, if there is a large number of waterfowl, dead fish, algea/scum, or dangerous debris at the beach, and if the water is so cloudy that swimmers can't see their feet at adult waist depth.
Water with high levels of bacteria could increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness.
"Avoid swallowing beach water no matter how clear it is," said health officials. "Remember you should never swim during a thunderstorm or when there are high winds and waves."
CK Public Health said it permanently posts advisory signs at all public beaches across the municipality warning that high levels of bacteria are often found in beach water and to use caution when swimming.
The health unit will also post beach closure signs when a significant risk to health and safety has been identified, adding beach closures are rare. Beaches will be closed for a chemical, oil, sewage or other waste spill, a blue-green algae bloom, a fish or other wildlife die-off, and safety hazards, such as sharp objects.
Concerns about beach water safety can be reported to CK Public Health.
