Calm, clear water is usually associated with low bacteria levels, while rough or cloudy water is associated with high bacteria counts. Bacteria counts less than 100 indicate a low health risk. As the count exceeds 100, the risk increases accordingly. Health risks associated with swimming in contaminated water include ear, eye and nose infections, as well as gastrointestinal infections. It should be noted that Thursdays are our usual sample days and the bacteria counts reflect the conditions at that time.
Conditions can change from day to day depending on weather conditions and lake levels.
Again, we suggest that the clarity of the water, and the strength of wave action is a good indicator of the quality at the time you may intend on swimming at a particular beach. Next posting will be June, 2001. 1005 Ouellette Ave.