People looking to beat the heat by heading to the beach may want to avoid Port Stanley.
Southwestern Public Health announced on Thursday swimming is not recommended at Port Stanley's main, little, and Erie rest beaches after weekly water testing found high levels of E.coli. bacteria.
The main and Erie rest beaches are located off Edith Cavell Boulevard, while little beach is at 181 Main St.
The health unit, which tests the water quality of public beaches in Elgin County weekly, has posted signs at the beaches advising that swimming is not recommended as the water could pose a health risk.
E.coli bacteria is an indicator there is human and/or animal fecal contamination present in the water, the health unit said. If ingested, the bacteria-filled water could cause gastrointestinal illnesses. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. These bacteria may also cause infections of the eye, ear, nose, and/or throat when people swim in the water.
The waters at Springwater Conservation Area and Port Bruce also showed high levels of E.coli. bacteria this week.
"Weather conditions can adversely affect water quality. If the water is cloudy from rough water or heavy rains, it may have high levels of bacteria for up to two days," the health unit said. "The public is advised to consider recent weather conditions when deciding on whether or not to go swimming."
Beach water status updates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 211, the province's free information service.