'Results' indicate parts per 100mL. Health Canada's guideline for issuing a swimming advisory is over 200 E.coli/100mL.
The Ontario guideline used to be more stringent - 100 E.coli/100 mL - but that was changed in 2018 to match the Federal guideline. There is a dispute about the safety of the current level, and the City of Toronto has stuck to the former Provincial guideline and closes beaches at 100 E.coli/100 mL.
On August 16, our intrepid, new Water Steward, Greg Keane, set out by himself to collect samples. He covered our regular 23 sample locations. Lab costs were funded by the Miller Lake Community Group; analysis by ALS Labs of Waterloo.
Compared to 2021, many readings were higher. Overall, none crossed the threshold of 100 E.coli/100 mL, but the southwest end of the lake is approaching that territory. Greg points out that, on the day of sampling, winds were blowing towards that end of the lake and could have been a factor. Nevertheless, as the chart demonstrates, E.coli levels have been increasing in that area since 2018, and we should be aware of that.
Disclaimer: These samples indicate one point in time and do not guarantee safety, since water-fowl can contaminate water at any time.
To check the 2022 E.coli levels at your property, find your location on the map below and refer to the chart provided. The chart also lists previous readings in your area.
We continue to monitor E.coli levels in order to locate septic or run-off problems.