Health Department Advises Against Swimming After Rainfall

The Durham Region Health Department advises the public to refrain from swimming in beach water for at least 48 hours following heavy rainfall. This recommendation is based on the potential increase in bacteria levels due to runoff. The Health Department conducts regular bacteriological water tests throughout the summer to assess the safety of local beaches. Results from these tests are shared weekly with the public, and any beaches found to have elevated levels of E. coli are posted as unsafe for swimming.