Every beach in Toronto flagged unsafe for swimming after extreme rainstorm
All of Toronto's beaches have been flagged unsafe for swimming following July 16's massive rainstorm and citywide flooding.
Taking a dip in Lake Ontario is one of the sweetest ways to get outside in the summertime, but you'll want to think twice before diving in any time soon — according to the City of Toronto, none of the city's beaches are safe to swim in right now.
The city tests water quality at all ten of Toronto's cleanest beaches every 24 hours, monitoring for E. coli bacteria that can make you sick.
According to the City, increased rainfall and changes in water patterns, paired with flooding, can lead to increased E. coli levels in the water, alongside the added risk of floating debris.
In terms of E. coli, the most recent tests published indicate that the water at most beaches — with the exception of one — showed E. coli levels that were safe for swimming.
The most recent reporting available through the City of Toronto's Water Quality reporting page is based on tests conducted July 15, prior to the deluge the following day, so keep that swimsuit in a drawer for a little longer, because E. coli levels could quite possibly be ballooning right now.
On their most recent tests, conducted on July 15 and made public on July 16, Centre Island Beach was the only beach in the city to be flagged for high E. coli levels, coming in at a count of 126 per 100 ml — the maximum safe amount is 100 per 100 ml.
The July 16 water safety report for Centre Island Beach.
Before you cancel your plans to bum out on the beach this weekend, don't get too grossed out.
The water levels at Toronto beaches change quickly and frequently, so stay tuned to the city's Water Quality reporting page for the most timely updates.
Fareen Karim
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