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Midwestern

Water Quality and Standards Vary At Lake Huron Beaches

Water quality varies at beaches along Lake Huron as we head into the long weekend.

Huron County Health says tests this week at Goderich Main, St. Christopher's and St. Joseph's tested over the provincial standard for E.coli.

The province has set the safe level at 100 E.coli per 100 millilitres of water, and warns swimming in water with greater levels increases the risk of infections.

These infections can include:

Ear, nose and throat infections Skin rashes Upset stomach Diarrhea

Meanwhile, the Grey Bruce Health Unit uses the Health Canada Standard for E.coli levels, which is 400 E.coli per 100 mL on a single test, or 200 E.coli for a long term average.

Port Elgin's Main Beach tested at 342 this week. Kincardine's Station Beach is at 122, and Southampton Beach has 186 E.coli per 100 mL. Sauble Beach sits at 15, and Singing Sands at 10.

People are warned the water can quickly change due to heavy rain.

The water is unsafe if you can't see your feet at waste deep.

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