The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit's weekly beach testing has resulted in no swimming being allowed at three public beaches.
Beach warnings have been issued at Mettawas Beach in Kingsville, Holiday Beach in Amherstburg, and Colchester Beach in Essex, due to higher-than-normal readings of e.coli bacteria.
In testing conducted by the health unit on Monday, all three beaches reported e.coli readings of at least 300. The highest one, at Holiday Beach, was 863.
A beach warning is a second-highest classification in beach testing, which is conducted during warm-weather months. Swimming is not permitted at the beaches, but each beach's other amenities are still open. The most serious classification is a beach closure.
The other six public beaches in Windsor-Essex recorded safer e.coli counts and are open for swimming. They are Belle River Beach in Lakeshore, Cedar and Cedar Island Beaches in Kingsville, Point Pelee North West and Seacliff Beaches in Leamington, and Sandpoint Beach in Windsor.
There were no blue-green algae blooms reported this week at any of the beaches, according to the health unit.
Large amounts of bacteria in water can cause health issues for those swimming in it for significant periods of time. The health unit says the most common issues are stomach cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.
